CHICAGO – During the most recent FIFA date, the Chicago Red Stars shined in the two U.S. Women’s National Team friendlies against New Zealand in September.

On Sept. 15th in the first match since the Tournament of Nations, the U.S. started two of the six Red Stars, as Julie Ertz found her way into the midfield as she has coveted that role for the Chicago team and Alyssa Naeher defended her spot in goal.

Ertz scored two goals in a matter of eight minutes to give USA the early lead. In the second half, all six Red Stars were on the field, as Morgan Brian, Casey Short and Christen Press were subbed in. Sofia Huerta, who received approval of her one-time FIFA association change, earned her first cap while also assisting on the final goal of the match by Alex Morgan.

In the second match on Sept. 19th, Ertz, Naeher, Press and Short earned the start, as Brian entered into the match in the second half. While no Red Stars contributed to any of the five goals, Naeher received the shutout in goal.

Red Stars Stats (Sept. 15 & 19)
Morgan Brian (69 caps/6 goals): 51 minutes
Julie Ertz (53 caps/11 goals): 180 minutes; 2 starts; 2 goals; Woman of the Match
Sofia Huerta (1 cap/0 goals): 40 minutes; 1 assist
Alyssa Naeher (20 caps/12 shutouts): 180 minutes; 1 shutout
Christen Press (92 caps/43 goals): 76 minutes; 1 start
Casey Short (15 caps/0 goals): 104 minutes; 1 start

The U.S. will come together four more times in 2017, as they take on Korea Republic in October and Canada in November.