CHICAGO – Before being shutout against Chicago this past weekend, Seattle had found the back of the net seven times in their previous two games, enough to be a strong competitor for a Playoff spot.

“Starting up top with the forwards – with their defensive pressure – and all the way to our backline, Seattle has a very potent attack; so I am proud of the way our backline played keeping the dangerous attack in front of us,” said goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who had four saves on the night.

With a steady downpour of rain coming down nearly the entire match, the game turned into a physical battle between the two teams. Three yellow cards were issued to Chicago, compared to one for the home team, Seattle.

The continued battle went back and forth the entire match before the game ended in a 0-0 draw, the fifth in six games for Chicago.

“We’re still a work in progress and take the point,” said head coach Rory Dames. “Seattle’s team is outstanding. They’ve got world class quality on every line. I am proud of my group for grinding through the beginning. We’ve tied a lot of games and we’re right on that cusp without Vanessa [DiBernardo], Casey [Short] and Steph [McCaffrey]. We’re still trying to figure out Sam [Kerr]. It takes a few weeks to learn how to use it.”

The Red Stars have yet to have a consistent lineup in any game this season, which in turn has provided a new look for opposing teams to face. Julie Ertz saw her most consecutive minutes in a match, earning 75 minutes and starting for Chicago. Meanwhile, Sarah Gorden earned her third consecutive start on the backline, becoming a versatile player for the Red Stars in her third season.

Chicago looks to gain three points at home on May 26 in the Lifetime Game of the Week against the Orlando Pride. The game marks the annual Pride match for the Red Stars with a bundle pack starting as low as $30 for a ticket to the match and limited-edition t-shirt. Tickets are available here.