Credit Chicago Red Star
By Amelia Hirtle
Coming into this match, Chicago had played 3 games in 13 days and had travelled to North Carolina and Louisville in the process. They have had to use some different lineups and account for injuries and rest as the end of the season is fast approaching.
First Half
Both teams looked disjointed from the start. Chicago had trouble connecting passes in their attack and Kansas City sputtered out as they got the ball into the final third. The first threatening shot for either team came from the Red Stars in the 25th minute from Mallory Pugh but it sailed wide of the net. Ten minutes later, Chicago was able to connect off a corner kick. Pugh took the kick and Woldmoe was unmarked in the box for a header. Red Stars were close to getting one in stoppage time of the first half but Katie Johnson’s shot was just wide.
Second Half
Kansas City made some substitutions to start the second half in hopes of giving the team a jolt after going down 1-0. The changes had minimal impact as Chicago were able to score in the 61st minute. Chicago was awarded a free kick on the left side of the pitch and Kansas City once again were not able to mark Woldmoe in the box. Chicago led 2-0.
The Red Stars were able to get one more before the end of the game. Johnson was able to dribble through a fatigued KC back line before she passed it to Watt. Watt then sent it back into Johnson who got the ball past keeper Adrianna Franch for another goal.
Looking Ahead
With 7 regular season games left, Chicago cannot take their foot off the gas. They are currently 5th in the standings and all teams are jockeying for a spot above the sixth place playoff line. Chicago will travel to New Jersey once again to play Gotham FC on Saturday, September 4th at 6:00 PM CT (7:00PM ET).