GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars will welcome the Courage for the first time at Toyota Park on Saturday, May 27, at 3 p.m. CT.

Chicago will enter the Memorial Day weekend at Toyota Park with a successful month of May, earning a three-game undefeated streak. In 2016, the Red Stars went undefeated in their five May matches, earning a record of 3-0-2 for the month.

“There is definitely a sense of pride playing at home in front of our fans, but also friends and family,” said Illinois-native and defender Katie Naughton. “We want to provide an exciting and competitive atmosphere for our fans, and of course, we want to maintain our undefeated streak at home.”

In Week 6, the Red Stars found their first road win after taking down league topper, North Carolina, 3-1. Captain Christen Press notched the first goal after she earned a penalty kick. Midfielder Sofia Huerta received her first goal of the season with a bending shot to the far post, earning her Goal of the Week. The final Red Stars goal came from Vanessa DiBernardo seconds before the end of the first half, grabbing her first goal of year.

The Courage gained one back in the second half to narrow the scoreline, but it wasn’t enough and received their first home loss. Lynn Williams still leads the Courage in three goals and shots (25) and shots on goal (15).

“North Carolina has one of the best attacks in the league, with fast and physical forwards that are able to attack on transition,” said Naughton. “I think if we can manage to keep their attack in front of us, we will be able to manage the tempo of the game.”

In the league’s first midweek game of the season, North Carolina broke their losing streak, defeating Sky Blue FC 2-0. Williams and Samantha Mewis each scored a goal to bring the Courage to victory.

“I think playing North Carolina Courage back to back will be a true test for us,” said Naughton. “It will be interesting to see what each team changes coming into this game in order to try and gain an advantage.”

The match is scheduled to be the first “Bark in the Park” match for the Red Stars with tickets starting at just $15. Tickets are available here.