BRIDGEVIEW, IL—The Chicago Red Stars picked up three valuable points and enter the top six as they defeated Orlando Pride, 1-0, at SeatGeek Stadium. Combined with results elsewhere on Wednesday, the Red Stars will enter Saturday’s action in fifth position level on points with Houston and North Carolina and three points clear of Gotham FC in seventh who have a pair of games in hand.
The match’s only goal came in the sixth minute as Kealia Watt chipped over Ashlyn Harris, off the underside of the crossbar, and int the net. From there, the Red Stars had numerous chances to add to their lead, but were frequently denied by Harris who made eight saves on the evening. Pugh would also strike one off the crossbar and miss wide on a late counter with Harris off her line.
Photo: ISI
The Pride got their biggest chance just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty after Casey Krueger was adjudged to have taken down Alex Morgan in the area. Morgan took the penalty, but shot it well wide of target. Other opportunities would go straight to Cassie Miller who was credited with five saves on the night.
“I thought that [our defenders]were outstanding [on Wednesday]” said Red Stars head coach Rory Dames. “Our frontrunners were dangerous. [Ashlyn] Harris made some great saves on us. But we created chances, the movements were good. Our forwards were actually looking to take people on. I’m very pleased with the group.
Photo: ISI
Prior to the start of the match, the two sets of players and officials gathered in a huddle in the center circle in a show of solidarity with former players Sinead Farrelly and Meleana “Mana” Shim and against ‘systemic abuse’ in the NWSL.
“It’s definitely a big win for us,” said Miller. “Our focus is still what’s happening. Having each others’ backs. However, it’s two teams on the field. We’re just making sure we’re all okay.”
The Red Stars will next play one Saturday at home to Kansas City with a 7pm kickoff on Paramount+.
SCORING SUMMARY:
CHI-Kealia Watt (unassisted) 6
BOOKING SUMMARY:
CHI-Kealia Watt (caution, dissent) 43
CHI-Emily Boyd (caution, dissent) 45
CHI-Mallory Pugh (caution, time wasting) 90+1
CHICAGO RED STARS (4-2-3-1): #38-Cassie Miller; #3-Arin Wright, #11-Sarah Gorden, #26-Tierna Davidson, #6-Casey Krueger; #13-Morgan Gautrat, #16-Sarah Woldmoe; #2-Kealia Watt (#15-Makenzy Doniak 74), #10-Vanessa DiBernardo, #5-Rachel Hill (#33-Katie Johnson 67); #9-Mallory Pugh (#28-Kayla Sharples 90+1)
Subs Not Used: #21-Emily Boyd, #24-Danielle Colparico, #23-Tatumn Milazzo, #28-Kayla Sharples, #22-Bianca St. Georges, #7-Nikki Stanton, #18-Ella Stevens
ORLANDO PRIDE (4-2-3-1): #24-Ashlyn Harris; #7-Ali Riley (#22-Taylor Kornieck 63), #11-Ali Krieger (#3-Toni Pressley 63), #4-Amy Turner, #17-Courtney Petersen; #8-Gunny Jonsdottir (#21-Phoebe McClernon 82), #14-Marisa Viggiano (#15-Erika Tymrak 67); #9-Jodie Taylor, #10-Marta, #2-Sydney Leroux; #13-Alex Morgan
Subs Not Used: #1-Erin McLeod, #29-Abi Kim, #12-Carrie Lawrence, #23-Kylie Strom, #31-Crystal Thomas
TOTAL SHOTS: CHI 17-12 ORL
SHOTS ON GOAL: CHI 9-5 ORL
FOULS: CHI 3-9 ORL
OFFSIDES: CHI 1-2 ORL
CORNER KICKS: CHI 4-6 ORL
SAVES: CHI 5-8 ORL
Referee: Karen Abt
Assistant Referees: Ethan Buege, Kaitlyn Trowbridge
Fourth Official: Calin Radosav
Weather: Cloudy and 64º
Attendance: 3,198
Woman of the Match: Tierna Davidson (CHI)
