GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars will host the Seattle Reign FC in the first of a three-game series on June 4, at 2 p.m. CT at Toyota Park. Chicago will plan to add to their four-game undefeated streak, keeping the run at Toyota Park.

After a high scoring Saturday match, the Red Stars defeated North Carolina Courage 3-2, becoming the only team to have defeat the first-place team twice and on their home field.

The list of scorers for Chicago grew as Danielle Colaprico and Alyssa Mautz each found the back of the net for the first time this season, totaling six Red Stars earning a goal in 2017. Vanessa DiBernardo also added the eventual game-winning goal to mark her second of the season.

“The team is confident and excited going into the weekend to face the Reign at home,” said defender Sarah Gorden. “But we know how much of a test Seattle will be for us. Overall, we just take every game and practice one day at a time.”

In the previous match, the Chicago defense once again stepped up and stopped several dangerous balls in the final third, clearing 40 overall chances from the Courage. With the strong defensive effort of the Red Stars, Samantha Johnson and Casey Short earned NWSL’s Team of the Month, along with Colaprico and Christen Press earning the honor as well.

“Defensively, we are always ready to go,” said Gorden. “We feel that much of our success comes from not only our defensive unit, but our ability to defend from top to bottom. And it will take all of that and more Sunday.”

Last weekend, Seattle traveled down to Houston and shutout the Dash, 2-0. Houston defender Cari Roccaro gave up an own goal to give the Reign a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the final 45 minutes, Reign’s 2017 NWSL Draft pick Katie Johnson scored a goal, thanks to an assist by Nahomi Kawasumi, who leads the league with five assists.

Allowing nine shots on goal, the Reign’s defense sealed the shutout, while goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer earned her first shutout of the 2017 season.

“With Seattle we will see a much different team than what we’ve seen with North Carolina the last two weekends,” said Gorden. “So as much as we are preparing for that, we are also focusing on ourselves and continuing to grow as a group and improve each week.”

Catch Chicago at Toyota Park on June 4 to take on the visiting Seattle Reign FC at 2 p.m. CT on the go90 app or by purchasing tickets here.