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WPS Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC Play To Scoreless Draw

April 19, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Bridgeview, Ill. (April 19, 2009) - Three games in to their inaugural season, the Chicago Red Stars remain unbeaten after earning a 0-0 tie with Sky Blue FC in their home opener before 5,824 fans at a rain drenched TOYOTA PARK Sunday night.

Lindsey Tarpley had a strong chance for her third goal in as many games in stoppage time following the second half. Karen Carney played a shot from the right side of the box to Tarpley, who made a strong chance but put it right at Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Jenni Branam.

The shot was one of 18 Chicago recorded, but the Red Stars only put four on goal. One came on a spectacular bicycle kick attempt from midfielder Megan Rapinoe in the 38th minute. After Sky Blue FC starting goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made an initial stop on a shot by midfielder Carli Lloyd, the ball ricocheted to Rapinoe at the top of the box. She played it beautifully on the bicycle attempt but Bardsley was able to recover in time to parry it over the net.

Sky Blue FC had one of the game's best scoring chances early on. Midfielder Collette McCallum made a run up the right side, crossing to Sarah Walsh on the left edge of the box. As Red Stars keeper Caroline Jönsson came out to challenge the play, Walsh got a shot off that hit just off the cross bar and out of play.

Jönsson put forth another solid effort in net, stopping all three of Sky Blue FC's shots on goal to record her second clean sheet of the season. Bardsley and Branam combined for six saves for the visitors, who were outshot 18-7 in the contest.

The Red Stars return to action Saturday night for their second game on a five-game home stand. Chicago will host Heather Mitts and the Boston Breakers for a 7:30 match at TOYOTA PARK. Tickets are available by calling the Red Stars at 1-866-WPS-2009.

SKY BLUE FC COACH IAN SAWYERS

"The game was a pretty exciting for a 0-0 tie, at least from our perspective, with some end to end opportunities. Obviously we felt like we could have put a few away and I'm sure they feel the same way. Coming away with an away point is ok, we haven't quite got there yet. We're moderately happy but still proud to be part of a great day here in Chicago."

On subbing goalkeepers at the half:

"Bardsley got back spasms at halftime. She was on the training table for a little while and we weren't sure if she was going to be able to go or not. We don't know what it is yet, probably having to make all those saves in the first half. I don't know if the cold locked her up or what. We didn't really want to (make a switch), but we were forced to do it."

SKY BLUE FC MIDFIELDER JEN BUCZKOWSKI

"It's an amazing experience. Growing up in the area, I've gone to Soldier Field to watch the Fire play and obviously come here the last few years. Just to be able to be here and have the experience myself is unbelievable.

SKY BLUE FC DEFENDER JULIANNE SITCH

"It's an amazing experience, growing up here and having played with a lot of the girls that were in the crowd to support us. I just think it's an amazing atmosphere. I was very fortunate to have all my friends come out to the game and to get to play in front of them."

RED STARS COACH EMMA HAYES

"Our game plan was to use as much width as we can. We've been struggling of late to create opportunities out wide. I thought we did a great job of that. The girls executed the game plan and the performance was considerably better than the last two games."

On subbing out Cristiane:

"This was the first time she had started. She's only been with us a few weeks and was injured up until 10 days ago. She's still building her fitness. At sixty minutes we didn't want to push it, and she was tired to. It was a good sixty minutes to get under her belt."

RED STARS MIDFIELDER MEGAN RAPINOE

"(The bicycle kick) was a little far-fetched, but there wasn't much else I could do with it. I didn't connect with it that well, but I made a chance and got a corner kick out of it."

RED STARS FORWARD LINDSAY TARPLEY

"I was really happy with the way we attacked tonight. I was proud of the team and the effort and I'm looking forward to continuing to build over the next few months."

RED STARS MIDFIELDER CARLI LLOYD

"I went out there and enjoyed it again. I think that's what I was missing. I didn't think, I just concentrated on working hard and helping the team. I was over thinking things. For the first time this season I had fun."

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from April 19, 2009


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