Striker bags stunning goal, assist as Red Stars’ winless streak ends at six

By Gunnar Berndt

Rochester, NY. – The Chicago Red Stars’ winless streak in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ended at six on Saturday night, as Head Coach Rory Dames’ squad defeated hosts Western New York Flash 2-0 behind a comprehensive team performance and the standout play of forward Christen Press. The U.S. star bagged a stunning goal late in the opening period and assisted on Jen Hoy’s assurance tally after the break. The victory gives Chicago a significant boost in its battle for second place in the standings and the right to host a postseason semifinal on September 13.

The Red Stars had the first close look of the match when Press sprinted on to Adriana Leon’s long ball over the top of the defense and tried to chip goalkeeper Chantel Jones, only for the delicate effort to sail just high of the frame. Western New York had a dangerous chip of its own, Colombia star Lady Andrade trying her luck from the top of the box for a narrow miss that saw the ball land on top of the net.

The Flash created another quality chance in the 26th minute, as Kristen Edmonds released a powerful long-range drive from the right that was tipped around the near post by diving Chicago goalkeeper Michele Dalton.

It would be the Red Stars finding the net on Press’ wonder strike five minutes from halftime. The FIFA Women’s World Cup champion received the ball from Vanessa DiBernardo in midfield and sprinted 35 yards to the edge of the area before cutting to her right and curling a beautiful effort past two opposition defenders and inside the far post to make it 1-0.

Press added to her excellent showing by setting up Chicago’s second goal five minutes after the hour mark, releasing Hoy one-on-one with Chantel Jones on a delicate through ball from the edge of the box. Second-half substitute Hoy did well to poke the ball past the opposition netminder and into the net for a confident finish.

Michele Dalton added the icing to her own strong performance in the 70th minute of play, as Edmonds tested the Chicago goalkeeper with a rocket from well outside the box that seemed destined for the upper ninety. Dalton refused to let go of her clean sheet as she left her feet for a spectacular fingertip save over the crossbar.

The Chicago Red Stars look to defend their all-important second place in the NWSL table when they host superstar Carli Lloyd and Houston Dash for their massive Fan Appreciation Night and regular season finale at Toyota Park in Bridgeview on Sunday, September 6. Tickets for all Red Stars matches may be purchased by clicking here or by calling 773-698-6001.

Chicago Red Stars at Western New York Flash 2-0
Venue: Sahlen’s Stadium, Rochester, NY
Scheduled kickoff time: 6 p.m. CT

Red Stars starting lineup:
Dalton, Gilliland, Erceg, Johnston, Hemmings, Colaprico, Chalupny, DiBernardo, Leon, Huerta, Press

Flash starting lineup:
Jones, Edmonds, Engen, Dahlkemper, Hinkle, Edwards, Mewis, Spencer, Ayinde, Andrade, Heyman

Goals:
Press 40’ CRS (DiBernardo)
Hoy 65’ CRS (Press)

Cautions/Ejections:
DiBernardo 63’ CRS (reckless foul)
Erceg 86’ CRS (reckless foul)

Red Stars substitutions:
Hoy in for Leon 56’
Tancredi in for Chalupny 82’
Quon in for DiBernardo 87’

Flash substitutions:
Nick in for Mewis 64’
Eddy in for Spencer 64’
Nchout in for Andrade 75’