NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Travels to Portland in Lifetime's Game of the Week

April 27, 2017 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Chicago Travels to Portland in Lifetime's Game of the Week
Chicago Travels to Portland in Lifetime's Game of the Week
(Chicago Stars FC)

CHICAGO - The Red Stars look to gain three points when they take on Portland Thorns FC in Lifetime's Game of the Week on April 29, at 3 p.m. CT at Providence Park.

After the action in Week 2, Portland fell to sixth place after North Carolina Courage found a late goal at home to defeat the Thorns, 1-0. In the season opener, Portland's captain Christine Sinclair and Nadia Nadim each found the back of the net to defeat Orlando Pride, 2-0.

Chicago is coming off a shutout win after Julie Ertz scored the game-winning goal thanks to Sofia Huerta's assist, defeating Midwestern rival FC Kansas City. Ertz was moved into the attacking midfield position after missing the practices leading up to the match due to a minor injury.

"We have to figure out how to get all of our best players out onto the field," said head coach Rory Dames on getting Ertz on the field. "She [Ertz] could end up in the backline tomorrow, she could end up as a 6, she could end up as a 10. We've been very predictable over the last 2 years and very stagnant with who our players are. It's just very competitive to get on the field right now."

Ertz felt right at home in the central midfield position after having plenty experience at the 10 role during her collegiate career at Santa Clara University.

"I felt really comfortable. The easiest thing is that my teammates were all for it [changing position] and behind me and cheering me on," said Ertz. "To do it at this level, obviously, is a little bit different from college, so I'm still learning as well. But it was really fun."

With the win over Kansas City, Chicago jumped up to fourth place with a 1-1-0 record.

Chicago hopes to capitalize off their recent win, but know that the team is coming into a difficult environment. After already having a taste of playing in the city during the Thorns Spring Invitational during preseason, rookie midfielder Morgan Proffitt has now experienced it firsthand.

"After playing Portland in our preseason game, the atmosphere out there is absolutely incredible," said Proffitt. "It's exciting to go back out there and play again."

Check out the Chicago Stars FC Statistics




Images from this story

Chicago Travels to Portland in Lifetime's Game of the Week
Chicago Travels to Portland in Lifetime's Game of the Week
   



National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 27, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central