Credit Chicago Red Stars
By Amelia Hirtle
The Red Stars came back from an international break to take on the Washington Spirit at home on Saturday night.
The best chance of the first half for either team came from Chicago in the 9th minute. A mistouch by a Washington player found Red Stars forward Rachel Hill with the ball who then passed it off to Mallory Pugh for a shot, but it was off target.
In the 20th minute, Kealia Watt dribbled the ball down the right side and managed to turn the corner on the Spirit defender Sam Staab, but her shot went right into the gloves of the Spirit goalkeeper.
At the half, Chicago held 44% possession and had 15 shots but only 3 were on target. There was a lot of back and forth in the first half and both teams looked a little disjointed coming out of the international break.
The second half saw more action right out of the gate. Chicago keeper Alyssa Naeher made a fantastic save off an Ashley Sanchez break-away that could have easily put Washington up.
The Red Stars had another great chance off a ball in from Vanessa DiBernardo to Mallory Pugh but her shot was off target. In the 85th minute, Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was able to bring the ball down off a great first touch and take it herself up the final third of the field. She put the ball past the goalkeeper Naeher to put Washington up 0-1.
In stoppage time, Spirit player, Sam Staab was called for a handball in the box and Chicago was awarded a penalty kick. Morgan Gautrat put the ball in the goal to tie the game 1-1. It was her first penalty kick in her NWSL career.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw and Chicago was able to gain one point in the standings. They have a quick turnaround and will face OL Reign in Washington on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00 PM ET.