Credit Chicago Red Stars
By Amelia Hirtle
The Chicago Red Stars took on the Washington Spirit at home on August 1st, 2021. The Spirit was coming off on a 2-game win streak meanwhile the Red Stars were coming off a loss to Gotham FC last weekend.
Chicago was able to break open the scoring in the 19th minute off a Washington turnover. Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh got the ball in the midfield and dribbled the ball near the top of the box and took a shot that bounced off the left post of the goal and went into the back of the net.
Chicago and Washington continued to take offensive chances given to them. However, the Red Stars were able to score once more before the first half ended. In the 39th minute, Danielle Colaprico took the corner kick and Kayla Sharples was able to make contact with the ball. There was a scramble in the box amongst the players, but forward Rachel Hill was able to put the ball in the net to put Chicago up 2-0.
In the second half, the Spirit were on the attack more as they continued to get into dangerous spaces in front of the Chicago net. On a defensive turnover for Chicago, forward Trinity Rodman was able to capitalize on their mistake. Rodman scored in the 71st minute and it put more pressure on Chicago to close out the match. They were able to do so in the 80th minute off a penalty given to defender Sam Staab for a handball. Morgan Gautrat converted the penalty to give Chicago a decisive 3-1 lead.
Chicago is now sitting in third place after this weekend of games and they will stay home to go up against the Orlando Pride on Sunday, August 8th.