Away scrimmage features total of 22 Chicago players

Milwaukee, Wis. – The Chicago Red Stars opened their 2015 preseason with a 3-0 away win over Marquette University on Monday evening. The NWSL side’s mix of established veterans, recent college draftees and open tryouts participants showed plenty of promise as they grabbed the victory behind goals by Lori Chalupny, Alyssa Mautz and Vanessa DiBernardo.

Having only trained together for a week, Head Coach Rory Dames’ side showed the expected growing pains but managed to control possession throughout the match and completed several intriguing attacking combinations. Those in attendance at Marquette University’s Valley Fields got a good look at most players currently in camp with Chicago, as a flurry of halftime and second-period substitutions saw all eleven starters replaced before the final whistle.

The opening goal came in the twelfth minute of play, as USA star Chalupny fired a shot from the top of the box that found its way inside the left post to put the Red Stars on top. The visitors would double their lead a mere five minutes later, with first-round draft pick and former Santa Clara star Sofia Huerta making her way down the right and sending a dangerous cross into the area that was converted via diving header by Mautz.

Midfielder DiBernardo put the game out of reach after the interval. The Illinois native was set up by fellow U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team regular Danielle Colaprico and found the net for the day’s third and final strike.

The Chicago Red Stars look to continue building cohesion this coming Friday, March 20, as they travel to take on University of Wisconsin Madison for their second preseason test. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

The 2015 Red Stars season kicks off on April 18 with the team’s big home opener against Sydney Leroux, Megan Rapinoe, Hope Solo and current Shield holders Seattle Reign FC. Single-game and season tickets ($145) may be purchased by calling 773-698-6001 or by clicking here.

Chicago Red Stars at Marquette University 3-0
Venue: Valley Fields, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.
Kickoff time: 5 p.m. CT

Red Stars starting lineup:
Michele Dalton, Michelle Lomnicki, Taryn Hemmings, Samantha Johnson, Arin Gilliland, Lori Chalupny, Alyssa Mautz, Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, Sofia Huerta, Jen Hoy

Goals: 1-0 Chalupny (12’), Mautz (17’), DiBernardo (53’)

Cautions/Ejections: None

Red Stars substitutions:
Leigh Jakes for Michelle Lomnicki (46’)
Cara Walls for Jen Hoy (46’)
Natalie Horner for Taryn Hemmings (60’)
Kelley McCloskey for Vanessa DiBernardo (60’)
Jayden Barrett for Alyssa Mautz (60’)
Giuleana Lopez for Sofia Huerta (60’)
Jackie Esterkamp for Arin Gilliland (60’)
Rachel Tejada for Danielle Colaprico (70’)
Lillie Toaspern for Lori Chalupny (70’)
Monica Gonyo for Michele Dalton (75’)
Valerie Gonyo for Samantha Johnson (75’)