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WPS Chicago Stars FC

Red Stars, Freedom Play to 0-0 Draw

July 4, 2010 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


BOYDS, Md. -- The Chicago Red Stars pressured the Washington Freedom and put together a strong defensive performance. But Chicago could not muster a goal as the two teams played to a scoreless draw on Sunday in Women's Professional Soccer action at Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Red Stars wrapped up their four-game road trip with a 1-1-2 mark and are now 3-5-4 overall. Washington (4-3-4) stays three points ahead of Chicago for fourth in the WPS standings.

Now the Red Stars return home for three of their next four matches, starting with a 7:30 p.m. match on Wednesday, July 7, against the Atlanta Beat at Toyota Park.

On Sunday, the Red Stars tallied a season-high 23 total shots and 11 shots on goal. Chicago's attack was balanced throughout the match, consistently testing Freedom goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

"Plain and simple, we dominated the game," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "But once again we didn't finish our chances in front of the goal. We had four or five very clear chances to score. And on a day like this, with very hot conditions, our performance was very good and our energy level was good."

Everyone on the Chicago side was in the offensive third but simply could not cash in. Five of Cristiane's six shots were on goal. Ella Masar had an opportunity for a close-range header within the 6-yard box. Karen Carney had a couple of scoring chances. And in the closing minutes, Casey Nogueira had a chance with McLeod out of the net, but Nogueira's shot was pushed wide.

Defensively, Chicago did everything that was required to give itself an opportunity for a win. The Red Stars defense held Washington to only five shots and three shots on goal for the entire match.

"Overall, the back line was great," Namazi said. "Our defense was good, and in the midfield our runs were good. It was just that finishing touch that we lacked."

Fire goalkeeper Jillian Loyden made three saves for her fourth shutout of the season, tying the Red Stars season record set by Caroline Jonsson during the inaugural 2009 WPS campaign.

McLeod made 10 saves for Washington.

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