Sam Kerr became first player to score 50 goals in the NWSL 

CHICAGO – The Red Stars finished a 3-1 victory against Sky Blue FC, jumping to second place in the standings. In a return to Yurcak Field, Sam Kerr notched her first Chicago hat trick, breaking a four-game scoreless streak.

After a spectacular diving save from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to keep the game scoreless, forward Kerr took it to her former team, dodging defenders and nearly sliding a ball on goal, only to go just wide of the far post.

With minutes remaining in the first half, Kerr once again used her speed to create several opportunities for Chicago to take the lead, including a great pass into the box for Michele Vasconcelos, who hits the ball off frame from close range.

On a counter attack, the Red Stars were able to earn a 1-0 lead into halftime as Kerr shot from the top of the box managed to fly past a diving Kailen Sheridan.Seconds into the second half, Kerr made NWSL history by becoming the first player to score 50 goals during her career after Yuki Nagasato sent a lofted ball up the field for an open Kerr, who spread wide and bounced the ball just out of the reach of Sheridan. The Red Stars extended their lead, 2-0.

The goals kept coming for Kerr and the Red Stars as the forward completed a hat trick after Nagasato sent another lofted ball to Kerr, who controlled entering the box and slotted it past a sliding Sheridan. The goal now gives Kerr the lead in the NWSL with eight goals this season.

The Red Stars were unsuccessful to escape the match with a shutout after Imani Dorsey was able to thread the ball between a diving Naeher and defender Arin Gilliland to notch Sky Blue’s only goal of the game.

The Red Stars return to Chicago for their last three games at Toyota Park, starting on Saturday, July 14 against Seattle Reign FC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on the NWSL app and the go90 app.

CHICAGO GOALS
Sam Kerr (40’) – After creating multiple chances the entire first half, Sam Kerr earned Chicago the lead into halftime. After a free kick from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Alyssa Mautz chased down the ball on the right side of the field. Looking up, Mautz crossed the ball near the top of the box, where Kerr was able to control the ball, turning to skyrocket a shot just past the diving Sky Blue goalkeeper.

Sam Kerr (46’) – Seconds into the second half, Sky Blue FC turned the ball over in the middle of the field, being picked up by Yuki Nagasato. Looking up, Nagasato lofted the ball up the field, where Kerr controlled it at the top of the box. Spreading wide, Kerr took one touch and shot a bouncing ball toward goal only to get past Kailen Sheridan for Kerr’s record-making 50^th NWSL goal.

Sam Kerr (63’) – Despite earning a record 50 NWSL goals, Sam Kerr wasn’t quite finished. Pushing the ball down the field, Yuki Nagasato sent another lofted ball for a speeding Kerr. The forward took one touch to slot it just past a sliding Kailen Sheridan to complete her hat trick.

CHICAGO SAVES
Alyssa Naeher (7’) – Inside the first 10 minutes, Alyssa Naeher was called into action. Sky Blue FC captain Carli Lloyd made moves up the field, toe-poking it forward for Imani Dorsey. The midfielder took a touch into the 18-yard box, causing Naeher to come off her line, making a diving save to deflect the shot from danger.

Alyssa Naeher (45’) – With seconds remaining and currently up by one, Alyssa Naeher created the final save to keep the Red Stars on top to end the first half. Coming down the field, Savannah McCaskill made her way into the box, crossing the ball to the opposite side. Imani Dorsey rushed up on the ball, shooting it right toward a diving Naeher, who pushed the ball out of harm’s way.

– CHICAGO RED STARS MATCH REPORT –

MATCH: Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC
DATE: July 7, 2018
VENUE: Yurcak Field; Piscataway, New Jersey
KICKOFF: 6:00 p.m. CT
ATTENDANCE: 2,846
WEATHER: 71 degrees, sunny

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

CHI – Sam Kerr (Alyssa Mautz)                                   40’
CHI – Sam Kerr (Yuki Nagasato)                                 46’
CHI – Sam Kerr (Yuki Nagasato)                                 63’
SBFC – Imani Dorsey (Savannah McCaskill)               73’

Chicago Red Stars Lineup: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 3-Arin Gilliland, 5-Katie Naughton, 6-Casey Short; 2-Nikki Stanton, 12-Yuki Nagasato (22-Rosie White, 86), 24-Danielle Colaprico (13-Morgan Brian, 83), 8-Julie Ertz (capt.), 4-Alyssa Mautz; 15-Michele Vasconcelos (10-Vanessa DiBernardo, 75), 20-Sam Kerr
Substitutes: 14-Sarah Gorden, 19-Summer Green, 21-Emily Boyd, 23-Brooke Elby
Head Coach: Rory Dames

Sky Blue FC Lineup: 1-Kailen Sheridan; 73-Madison Tiernan (2-McKenzie Meehan, 75), 22-Mandy Freeman, 8-Erica Skroski, 17-Dominique Richardson; 16-Sarah Killion, 28-Imani Dorsey (14-Katie Johnson, 89), 10-Carli Lloyd (capt.), 21-Savannah McCaskill, 12-Janine Beckie, 6-Shea Groom
Substitutes: 5-Thaisa, 9-Amanda Frisbie, 24-Michaela Abam, 27-Caroline Casey, 31-Christina Gibbons
Head Coach: Denise Reddy

Stats Summary: CHI / SBFC
Shots: 17/9
Shots on Goal: 10/5
Saves: 4/7
Corner Kicks: 5/6
Fouls: 9/10
Offside: 2/1

Misconduct Summary:
none

Officials:
Referee: Jasmine Peralta
Asst. Referee: Brooke Mayo, Ryan Graves
4th Official: Bardhyl Pashaj