GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars will host the Dash on Saturday, May 6 at 3 p.m. CT for the first Game of the Week on Lifetime at Toyota Park. The game will be the second of three match ups between the two clubs, as Houston defeated Chicago 2-0 in the 2017 season opener.

However, it could be a different result in front of Chicago fans as the Red Stars have one of the best home records in the league. Since moving to Toyota Park last season, Chicago has lost one game, posting an overall record of 6-1-4 at home.

“There’s nothing like playing in your city in front of our fans,” said veteran forward Jen Hoy. “It’s a privilege and honor to call Toyota Park our home.”

After a 1-0 loss to Portland last weekend, Chicago fell to seventh place with a 1-2-0 record, the worst start since 2014. Portland’s lone goal came in the 27th minute after a handball in the box earned the Thorns a penalty kick that forward Nadia Nadim converted for the game winner.

The Red Stars have managed to score just one goal this season after Julie Ertz finished a cross from Sofia Huerta in a 1-0 shutout win against FC Kansas City on April 22.

Houston is coming off a 1-0 win over Washington Spirit, thanks to a 28th minute goal by captain Kealia Ohai. The Dash are off to their best three-game start in club history, 2-1-0.

“We’re looking forward to meeting them again this weekend and hosting them at home,” said Hoy.

Ohai and Rachel Daly scored for the Dash in the season opener against Chicago, but Chicago had their fair share of possible opportunities.

“The team is feeling prepared,” said defender Katie Naughton. “This week we focused on staying mentally engaged and have worked to execute a game plan.”

The Red Stars earned more shots (11-13) and came up with more saves (3-7) than the Dash. Chicago will try to use their attacking strength to get around Houston’s defense, as they blocked six shots from Chicago.

Chicago will look to turn the tables with Ertz’ new role in the attacking midfield, with the help of Vanessa DiBernardo and Danielle Colaprico. As Ertz joined the midfield, that left Katie Naughton to join the central defense, who didn’t face the Dash in the season opener.

“I’m feeling much more confident playing in the back with two games under my belt,” said Naughton. “It’s definitely a comfort knowing that I have great players surrounding me and they are constantly pushing me to be the best player I can be.”

Watch the Red Stars face the Dash on Lifetime’s Game of the Week on Saturday, May 6 with the preshow starting at 2:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the home match are available here.