GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars look to continue their undefeated home streak as they take on the Boston Breakers on Mother’s Day, May 14. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. CT at Toyota Park.

Chicago continued on an undefeated home streak after shutting out Houston, 2-0, thanks to an own goal and Julie Ertz’ second goal of the season. Back on track, the Red Stars jumped up to third place after Week 4, with a 2-2-0 record and six points.

During the 2016 season, the Red Stars defensive unit conceded the second fewest goals in the league, averaging just one goal against per match. Once again, it’s Chicago’s defense that has kept them in the game, allowing only 40 shots, third lowest in the league.

“It’s very difficult to take points in this league,” said defender Samantha Johnson. “We’ve taken the initiative to be the best defensive team and that’s what we strive for in our games, home and away.”

The Red Stars have only faced 16 shots on goal, the second lowest of any team. A major change in the backline is second-year defender Katie Naughton seamlessly filling into the centerback position, allowing Ertz’ the freedom to attack in the midfield position the past three matches.

“There hasn’t been much of a difference in the back line,” said Johnson. “We all have very different styles of defending, which is why when we rotate center backs. We are still strong because our individual strengths compliment each other.”

Chicago will come up against a new Boston team, carrying over just six players from 2016 to sit in fifth place in the standings so far. The Breakers current record of 2-2-0 is the best start they’ve had since the inaugural year in 2013, allowing just three goals.

Last weekend, Boston fell to front-runners North Carolina Courage 1-0, earning them their first home loss of 2017. As the Breakers hold a 58.8% shooting accuracy, forwards Adrianna Leon, Natasha Dowie and midfielders Rose Lavelle and Rosie White all average over 70% of their shots on goal.

“Boston has a new team and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” said Johnson. “They have some key threats in the midfield and forward positions that we will have to be ready for.”

Watch Chicago live in action on Sunday, May 14 at Toyota Park against the Boston Breakers, starting at 5 p.m. CT by getting tickets here. The match will be streamed live on go90 or NWSLsoccer.com.