After Wednesday night’s games, the Chicago Red Stars sit in second place in the central division of the Challenge Cup.
It was a frustrating night at Seat Geek Stadium with both teams unable to find the back of the net. However, it was almost a disaster for the Red Stars in the opening minute. Racing Louisville earned a corner kick that was headed down BY THE POST but saved by Alyssa Naeher. With the club recently confirming another injury blow in Tierna Davidson, who suffered a torn ACL, the defense will be something to watch in terms of rotation and formation.
Despite the initial defensive hiccup, the Red Stars were able to counter well on the break. In the 11th minute, Mallory Pugh sliced through the Louisville defense to take a shot of her own. The shot hit the post and Racing were able to clear it.
Racing Louisville had two great opportunities to take a lead but they were unlucky. The first chance came from forward Ebony Salmon who sent the ball toward the goal. Chicago defender Tatumn Milazzo blocked it with her foot, but the ball bounced toward the net, just barely over the crossbar. Only a few minutes later Salmon was on top of the ball again and swung it toward the net, Emina Ekic tried to kick it in over Naeher but the ball hit the crossbar and Chicago was able to clear it.
To open the second half, Racing Louisville forced Naeher to make a jumping, acrobatic save to keep the game at 0-0. The shot came off a defensive ere in which Chicago was a little too casual with the ball.
The last chance of either team came from Chicago in the 82nd minute where Bianca St. Georges sent a ball in on the end line that curled inward and hit the top of the cross bar. Louisville were able to handle the opportunity.
Chicago will play again on Saturday April 2 at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET) against the Houston Dash, before the April international window.