Credit Chicago Red Stars
By Amelia Hirtle
The Chicago Red Stars took on the North Carolina Courage at home yesterday and were looking for a win after losing in the 83rd minute to Houston last week.
From early in the match Chicago was pressing North Carolina from high up the pitch and the Courage were struggling with the high press.
Chicago had multiple scoring opportunities early on and the first one came from a corner from defender Tierna Davidson. She sent a ball in, but Midfielder Morgan Gautrat headed it out of bounds.
In the 8th minute forward Mallory Pugh dribbled the ball up the pitch and passed it to Rachel hill but she sent the shot wide left. In the 29th minute, Davidson took a corner from Chicago and Gautrat headed it towards the net. Rachel hill got the final touch on the ball to put it in the back of the net and put Chicago up 1-0.
The Courage was on the defensive for much of the first half until Debinha sent a pass to Lynn Williams but her shot went over the goal in the 44th minute.
The first shot for the Courage on goal came in the 55th minute from Jessica’s McDonald but it was an easy stop for Alyssa Naeher. Naeher was more active in the second half, having to make a few key saves to keep Chicago on top of the Courage. The last chances of the night all came from the Courage, but Chicago’s defense stepped it up.
The NWSL will now go on international break until June 19 and get some much-needed rest for the players. Two Red Stars players, Tierna Davidson and Alyssa Naeher will now head to Texas to participate in the Summer Series with the US Women’s National Team.
The Red Stars next match will be June 19th against the Washington Spirit at 7 PM CT.