Boyds, Md. – After an intense game, Chicago fell to Washington Spirit 2-1 in the first of two National Women’s Soccer League Semifinals during overtime, finishing off their 2016 season.
With possession going both ways, Naeher saved a near goal from forward Crystal Dunn, but Washington was able to put another shot on goal in the 19th minute as Dunn sent a shot toward a diving Alyssa Naeher. The ball went wide, hitting the far goal post and deflecting out of bounds.
In the 26th minute, a ball was sent long for a racing Dunn, but Naeher was able to beat her to the 18-yard line, catching the ball. Just 10 minutes later, Washington captain Ali Krieger scored off an open header from defender Shelina Zadorsky, making the scoreline 1-0 for Washington.
Right before halftime, Red Stars captain Christen Press and forward Cara Walls battled inside the 18-yard box, but Spirit goalkeeper Kelsey Wys smothered the ball before Chicago could counter, leaving the first half 1-0 to Washington.
To start off the second half, Danielle Colaprico collected the ball 25-yards away from goal, pushing forward to rocket a skipping ball into the arms of Wys. In the 74th minute, Red Stars defender Julie Johnston drove down the right flank, passing to Press, who opened up and sent the ball just over the goal, giving Chicago another look toward goal.
In the 81st minute, Chicago equalized as defender Casey Short crossed a ball into the Spirit penalty area. Christen Press drifted wide for the ball and volleyed calmly into the left corner of the Washington net.
Chicago was inches away from a win in the 90th minute when Christen Press struck the crossbar after dribbling through the Washington defense and past Wys. Chicago was unable to score again and the game ends in a 1-1 draw.
Overtime began and Washington was the first to take advantage, but not until the second period. Washington played quickly and passed through the Chicago defense as Christine Nairn played a 1-2, opened up in the 18-yard box, and found the feet of Francisca Ordega, who was able to tap it into the back of the net in the 111th minute to take the lead.
Chicago continued to fight until the end but couldn’t equalize, leaving Washington victorious in the 2-1 defeat after overtime.
– Chicago Red Stars Match Report –
Match: Chicago Red Stars vs. Washington Spirit
Date: September 30, 2016
Venue: Maureen Hendricks Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT
Attendance: 4,249
Weather: 63 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F OT1 OT2
CHI 0 1 1 0 0
WAS 1 0 0 0 1
WAS – Ali Krieger (Shelina Zadorsky) 36th minute
CHI – Christen Press (Casey Short) 74
WAS – Francisca Ordega (Christine Nairn) 111
Lineups:
CHI: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 3-Arin Gilliland, 8-Julie Johnston, 16-Samantha Johnson, 6-Casey Short; 24-Danielle Colaprico, 10-Vanessa DiBernardo, 11-Sofia Huerta; 7-Taylor Comeau [(13-Amanda Da Costa, 70); 5-Katie Naughton, 114)], 23-Christen Press (capt.), 12-Cara Walls (9-Stephanie McCaffrey, 65)
Subs not used: 2-Jen Hoy, 4-Alyssa Mautz, 14-Sarah Gorden, 15-Courtney Raetzman, 18-Michele Dalton, 34-Mary Luba
Head Coach: Rory Dames
WAS: 18-Kelsey Wys; 11-Ali Krieger (capt.), 5-Whitney Church, 6-Shelina Zadorsky, 2-Caprice Dydasco; 15-Joanna Lohman (8-Diana Matheson, 70), 23-Tori Huster, 7-Christine Nairn; 19-Crystal Dunn, 14-Francisca Ordega (4-Megan Oyster, 114), 10-Estefania Banini (12-Katie Stengel, 88)
Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe, 17-Cali Farquharson, 20-Cheyna Williams, 22-Alyssa Kleiner, 24-Estelle Johnson, 27-Line Sigvardsen Jensen, 57-Laura del Rio
Head Coach: Jim Gabarra
Stats Summary: CHI / WAS
TBA
Misconduct Summary:
WAS – Christine Nairn (caution) 57th minute
CHI – Samantha Johnson (caution) 120+2
Officials:
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Assistant Referee 1: Cory Richardson
Assistant Referee 2: Adrienne McDonald
4th Official: Christopher Spivey
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