The Red Stars clinched their second victory, and first at home, Sunday afternoon with a shutout against the Boston Breakers. The last time these two teams faced off against each other Boston dominated the competition winning 4-1. However, with the momentum from a victory on the road against the Portland Thorns FC and capitalizing early in the match, the Red Stars came away with their second consecutive win of the season, defeating the Breakers 1-0 on a Lori Chalupny goal.

“We were very good in the first half,” said Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames. “We were able to carry over a lot of the things we did well out of the Portland game. We had two other really good chances to get the second goal.”

After multiple opportunities early in the game, the Red Stars were able to put one in the back of the net during the 26^th minute when Julianne Sitch drove down the left sideline and slotted the ball in a perfect position for Lori Chalupny to gain control inside the box. Breakers goalie Ashley Phillips was immediately drawn to the near post, which left the far post wide open for Chalupny to score. This was the lone goal recorded between the two teams. The Red Stars had the majority of ball possession during the first half, allowing Boston only two on-target attempts. Neither team made substitutions during the first half.

The Boston Breakers came out aggressively in the second half with an opportunity that looked to be the equalizer in the 65^th minute. Sydney Leroux found herself wide open in front of the net off a crossed ball at the top of the 18-yard box and launched it past the oncoming Red Stars ‘keeper Erin McLeod. It hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced close to the line and back onto the field, where McLeod was able to scoop it up.

Ella Masar looked as if she would secure a second goal for the Red Stars in the 72^nd minute in a sliding collision with Phillips. However, the shot went wide and was called back due to offside. Boston pushed heavily for the tying goal in the final minutes of the match, but the Red Stars held on defensively for the shutout, and victory.

During the physical match, yellow cards were given to Red Stars players Michelle Wenino and Lori Chalupny.

The Red Stars look to keep the winning-streak going at home again this Thursday, June 13^th, taking on FC Kansas City for the first time this season, right before heading to Kansas City Sunday for the rematch. Tickets are available for Thursday’s match by visiting chicagoredstars.com.

FULL BOX SCORE.