Rapinoe converts two penalties to steal the win from Chicago

CHICAGO – The Red Stars fell to the Seattle Reign 2-1, ending their undefeated streak at seven games.

From the start, Chicago put on the high pressure, causing Seattle to struggle to connect passes in their defensive half. But it was the Reign that would take the first hit on the strong Chicago defense, as Christine Nairn awkwardly struck a close-range ball, but goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was able to make the diving save.

On the counter attack, Huerta was able to find herself open just left of the goal, but her strike fell right to the hands of Seattle goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer.

Chicago continued to be an attacking threat, as the Red Stars outshot the Reign in the first half, 12 to four. With multiple scoring opportunities given, Chicago was able to capitalize on one and took the lead in the 41st minute.

After a long-range shot from captain Christen Press that deflected off a Seattle defender, the ball fell to the feet of Julie Ertz. The midfielder looked toward goal and hit a well struck ball to Alyssa Mautz, who tapped it in the back of the net for her second goal of the season. The Red Stars entered the locker room at halftime with a 1-0 lead.

But after the second half unfolded, an unfortunate bounce in the box gave Seattle a penalty kick after the ball deflected off a Chicago defender and a hand ball was called. Megan Rapinoe, who leads the league in goals, stepped up to the spot and drove it to the back of the net to equalize the match, 1-1, in the 58th minute.

Chicago continued to hit bad luck as defender Casey Short was called for a foul in the box, as Rapinoe went down in the box. Taking the penalty again, Rapinoe slotted the ball past a diving Naeher to take the 2-1 lead with minutes remaining in the match.

Although Chicago proved their pressing ability in the final moments in the second half, it wasn’t enough, as the Reign halted the Red Stars undefeated streak with a 2-1 victory.

Chicago continues their road series as they head to Orlando as they take on the Pride on Saturday, July 1 at 5 p.m. CT at Orlando City Stadium.

– CHICAGO RED STARS MATCH REPORT – 

MATCH: Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC
DATE: June 28, 2017
VENUE: Memorial Stadium; Seattle, Washington
KICKOFF: 9:30 p.m. CT
ATTENDANCE: 3,586
WEATHER: 68 degrees, mostly cloudy

Scoring Summary:      1          2          F
CHI                                    1          0          1
SEA                                   0          2          2

CHI – Alyssa Mautz (Julie Ertz)                                     41’
SEA – Megan Rapinoe (Penalty Kick)                          58’
SEA – Megan Rapinoe (Penalty Kick)                          84’

Chicago Red Stars Lineup: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 3-Arin Gilliland, 5-Katie Naughton, 16-Samantha Johnson (9-Stephanie McCaffrey, 86), 6-Casey Short; 8-Julie Ertz, 7-Taylor Comeau (30-Lauren Kaskie, 72), 4-Alyssa Mautz (2-Jen Hoy, 81), 10-Vanessa DiBernardo; 23-Christen Press (capt.), 11-Sofia Huerta
Substitutes: 13-Morgan Proffitt, 14-Sarah Gorden, 18-Michele Dalton, 19-Summer Green
Head Coach: Rory Dames

Seattle Reign FC Lineup: 28-Haley Kopmeyer; 9-Merritt Mathias, 13-Rebekah Stott, 19-Kristen McNabb, 16-Carson Picket; 6-Lindsay Elston, 2-Christine Nairn (5-Kiersten Dallstream, 79), 10-Jessica Fishlock (capt.); 36-Nahomi Kawasumi (33-Katlyn Johnson, 70), 17-Beverly Yanez (26-Maddie Bauer, 90), 15-Megan Rapinoe
Substitutes: 7-Elli Reed, 22-Michaela Hahn, 24-Madalyn Schiffel
Head Coach: Laura Harvey

Stats Summary: CHI / SEA
Shots: 15/14
Shots on Goal: 3/4
Saves: 2/2
Corner Kicks: 8/9
Fouls: 15/12
Offside: 0/2

Misconduct Summary:
CHI – Samantha Johnson (caution)                             69’

Officials:
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Asst. Referees: Alicia Messer, Art Arustamyan
4th Official: Andrew Deuker