Credit Chicago Red Stars
By Amelia Hirtle
The Chicago Red Stars traveled to Houston to take on the Dash on Saturday, May 29. This was the third match for Chicago in 8 days and it was expected to see some changes in the rotation on tired legs.
In the opening minutes, Chicago forward Mallory Pugh had the ball with time and space in the box. She took a shot that got past Houston keeper Jane Campbell to put the Red Stars up 0-1. There were a lot of chances by both teams early on, but Houston was able to equalize on a fantastic shot by Nichelle Prince in the 18th minute.
The last chances from the half all came from Chicago. Mallory Pugh, Kealia Watt, and Rachel Hill were all working together to connect in the final third, but it didn’t happen by the end of the first half.
In the early minutes in the second half, Sarah Gorden had the ball down the left-hand side and passed to Morgan Gautrat, but her shot was not on frame and went wide. Another great chance from Chicago came from Kealia Watt who took a shot near the penalty spot, but it went wide of the post.
Houston Dash began to pick up their pressure in the final 10 minutes of the match. After only 2 corners in the first half, Houston was looking to attack more. In the 83rd minute, Kristie Mewis got her foot on a cross from Sophie Schmidt to tap it in and put Houston up 2-1. Houston was able to get the win and the 3 points at home.
Chicago will play in one more match on Saturday, June 5 at 1:00 PM CT before the NWSL goes on break for international duty.