CHICAGO – The Red Stars made headlines in the back-to-back friendlies for the U.S. Women’s National Team against Canada that marked the last games of the 2017 campaign for the U.S. WNT.

During the first match up in Vancouver, the match ended in a heated 1-1 draw. The U.S. took the lead as Casey Short earned her first assist of the year on Alex Morgan’s 31^st minute goal. Canada’s Adrianna Leon equalized in the second half, but the two-goal game would be the only difference of the night.

In San Jose, California, the U.S. ended the year on top with a 3-1 victory. Midfielder Julie Ertz led the scoring in the 11^th minute off a header from a corner kick, tallying her 14^th goal in her career. Ertz finished 2017 with the U.S. WNT with six goals, all off set pieces.

Minutes into the second half, Canada’s Janine Beckie equalized. Nearly five minutes later, Christen Press assisted Morgan for the game-winning goal. Carli Lloyd finished the game with a goal in the 80^th minute to end the 2017 season on a high note.

Looking into 2018, the WNT has a big year ahead, preparing for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, with it all starting at the annual January Camp.

Next year will mark the 10^th edition of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship to qualify for the World Cup in 2019. The WNT will look for their fourth World Cup title, becoming the second country to win back-to-back Championships behind Germany.

Of the current call ups, the Red Stars are heavily represented with six players named to rosters in 2017. Of those six, four players – Ertz, Press, Morgan Brian and Alyssa Naeher – have CONCACAF Championship experience, while Sofia Huerta and Short look for their first Qualifying debut.

2017 Red Stars Stats: