CHICAGO – Turning the tables from last year’s 1-0 Chicago defeat, the Red Stars defeated hosts Portland in the same manner in the Thorns’ Spring Invitational preseason tournament.

The Chicago defense was called upon early in the first half, as 2018 NWSL College Draft pick Emily Boyd made the start for the Red Stars. In just the seventh minute after miscommunication on the backline, the rookie made her first major professional save as she was left to handle a one-on-one situation with a Portland forward, making a one-handed save to keep the match scoreless.

Nearly 10 minutes later, defenders Taylor Comeau and Sam Johnson combined for another save along the goal line to clear the ball from any Portland danger.

After five substitutes in the second half, the Red Stars began to pressure high and attack the goal. The changes paid off in the 62^nd minute as Arin Gilliland was able to slot the ball perfectly in the bottom corner, giving Chicago the 1-0 lead and eventual win.

Next up, the Red Stars will take on the Houston Dash on Wednesday, March 14. Three days later, the team will face the U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team on Saturday, March 17, in the final game of the tournament before the final roster is named.

Red Stars Starting XI (substitutes):
GK – Emily Boyd
D – Sarah Gorden (Megan Buckingham, 58)
D – Katie Naughton
D – Sam Johnson
D – Taylor Comeau
M – Vanessa DiBernardo (capt.) (Lauren Kaskie, 35)
M – Danielle Colaprcio (Nikki Stanton, 58)
M – Michele Vasconcelos (Alyssa Mautz, 58)
M – Stephanie McCaffrey (Sofia Huerta, 58)
F – Summer Green (Arin Gilliland, 58)
F – Yuki Nagasato (Sam Kerr, 75)