Red Stars eliminate Orlando from NWSL Playoffs after 3-1 victory

CHICAGO – The Red Stars take three points away in Orlando after defeating the Pride 3-1, eliminating Orlando from the post-season. Sam Kerr earned her 13^th and 14^th goal, as Vanessa DiBernardo tallied her second on the year.

Seconds after the starting whistle, Chicago had the first look as Kerr just pulled the ball wide of the net. Even after a slight weather delay, Chicago made moves from the restart, where DiBernrado’s header attempt went wide after picking up a deflection in the box.

Keeping much of the momentum throughout the first half, the Red Stars bagged two goals in a matter of minutes heading into halftime to take the lead. Kerr received a great through ball from Yuki Nagasato, breaking down the backline to put it past goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. Just a minute later, it was DiBernardo on the end of a first touch cut back from Kerr to easily place it into the upper netting.

Dominating with 11 shots to Orlando’s two, Chicago took the first half, 2-0.

With the second half going toward Chicago’s way again, the pressure of the Red Stars proved fatal for Orlando as Kerr disposed a defender to easily put it into the back of the net for a 3-0 lead. The two goals for Kerr in the game put her back into the league lead in goals (14).

In the 65^th minute, the Pride narrowed the scoreline as Marta lobbed a ball into the box, connecting to the head of Alex Morgan to place the ball opposite of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

Chicago regained possession and kept the pace for the remainder of the game, coming away with three points in a 3-1 victory.

Chicago will take a mini break during the FIFA international window and will resume play during its 2018 home finale with the make-up match against Sky Blue FC on Tuesday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast live on the NWSL app and NWSLsoccer.com.

CHICAGO GOALS:
Sam Kerr (44’) – With minutes remaining in the half, Sam Kerr received a flick pass by none other than Yuki Nagasato. Dribbling into the box, Kerr turned Shelina Zarodsky to spread goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to the right as Kerr caught the keeper off guard and slid the ball into the opposite netting.

Vanessa DiBernardo (45+1) – As Morgan Brian sent the ball up the field, Sam Kerr was able to track down the ball closing in on the end line. Quickly slotting it behind her, Vanessa DiBernardo ran on the ball in the box, striking it past a diving Ashlyn Harris.

Sam Kerr (59’) – Continuing the pressure up top, Sam Kerr stripped defender Alanna Kennedy from the ball at the top of the box. Getting past the backline, Kerr was faced with goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris but easily placed the ball out of Harris’ reach. The goal gave Kerr the lead in the Gold Boot race with 14 goals.

– CHICAGO RED STARS MATCH REPORT –

MATCH: Chicago Red Stars vs. Orlando Pride
DATE: August 25, 2018
VENUE: Orlando City Stadium; Orlando, FL
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. CT
ATTENDANCE:
5,016WEATHER: 82 degrees, cloudy

Scoring Summary:      1          2          F
CHI                              2          1          3
ORL                             0          1          1

CHI – Sam Kerr (Yuki Nagasato)                                 44’
CHI – Vanessa DiBernardo (Sam Kerr)                        45+1
CHI – Sam Kerr                                                            59’
ORL – Alex Morgan (Marta)                                       65’

Chicago Red Stars Lineup: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 5-Katie Naughton, 3-Arin Gilliland, 8-Julie Ertz (capt.), 6-Casey Short; 24-Danielle Colaprico, 10 Vanessa DiBernardo (22-Rosie White, 91+4), 4-Alyssa Mautz (15-Michele Vasconcelos, 73), 13-Morgan Brian; 12-Yuki Nagasato (2-Nikki Stanton, 86), 20-Sam Kerr
Substitutes: 14-Sarah Gorden, 21-Emily Boyd, 23-Brooke Elby, 25-Erin Yenney
Head Coach: Rory Dames

Orlando Pride Lineup: 24-Ashlyn Harris (capt.); 12-Kristen Edmonds (15-Rachel Hill, 54), 11-Ali Krieger, 16-Carson Pickett (7-Christine Nairn, 71), 4-Shelina Zadorsky,; 14-Alanna Kennedy, 17-Dani Weatherhold, 9-Camila (21-Monica, 64); 10-Marta, 13-Alex Morgan, 6-Chioma Ubogagu
Substitutes: 3-Toni Pressley, 5-Emily van Egmond, 8-Danica Evans, 28-Haley Kopmeyer
Head Coach: Tom Sermanni

Stats Summary: CHI / ORL
Shots: 17/11
Shots on Goal: 9/5
Saves: 4/6
Corner Kicks: 6/3
Fouls: 10/11
Offside: 6/4

Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Camila (caution)                                   42’
ORL – Shelina Zadorsky (caution)                   79’
ORL – Monica (caution)                                  82’

Officials:
Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.
Asst. Referee: Gjovalin Bori, Jordan Davis
4th Official: Janessa Gunn