By Amelia Hirtle
It has been more than a week since The Athletic article was released, detailing the horrible allegations of abuse from former coach Paul Riley. On Friday October 1, 2021, the players of the NWSL asked the league to postpone the games slated for that night and weekend. With the games on hold, the players took a pause and acted by demanding more of the league.
Games resumed on Wednesday October 6th and all teams participated in a moment of silence in the 6th minute of the game where players linked arms in a circle. It was a powerful moment that continued into the weekend games.
In their last game, the Red Stars had beaten the top of the table Portland Thorn sides as they continued their hunt for a playoff spot. Needing to come away with points, the matchup against OL Reign was no different. Though after a heavy week for everyone, it is hard to imagine how the players were able to go out and try to perform their best.
Away in Tacoma, Washington, Chicago was able to get on the board first in the 14th minute. Early on, the Reign had trouble clearing the ball from their backline, allowing Chicago the chance to attack. The Red Stars managed well until the 31st minute when OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock took a shot from distance that bounced off the crossbar and in for a goal. Chicago keeper Cassie Miller attempted to jump and save the ball, but she couldn’t get a glove on. The Reign didn’t stop there. In the 35th minute, Sofia Huerta sent a cross in that was deflected by a Red Stars player but still found Fishlock who was able to head the ball home to put Reign up 2-1.
Down 2-1 on the road, Chicago needed something to get back in the game before the home team ran away with all 3 points. Mallory Pugh had a great chance to tie it in the 48th minute, but her shot went high over the crossbar. Unfortunately for Chicago, the Reign got another one on a left-footed shot by Rose Lavelle to make it 3-1. Red Stars defender Tatumn Milazzo scored for her team to make it 3-2 in the 69th minute. That ended up being the final score in an exciting match.
With that win, OL Reign clinched a spot in the playoffs while Chicago sits just below the line in seventh place with 29 points. OL Reign will move on to face the Portland Thorns on Wednesday October 13th at 7:30 pm PT (10:30 pm ET) in the rescheduled Cascadia Derby. This match could decide the outcome of the NWSL Shield. Chicago will also play their rescheduled match on Wednesday night, at home against the Orlando Pride, at 7:00 pm CT (8:00 pm ET). With just 3 regular season games left, the Red Stars will need to continue their push for all 3 points.