Lisle, IL – The Red Stars gave the home fans an exciting 4th of July by defeating WNY 1-0 on a beautiful, sunny afternoon in Lisle.  The last time the two teams faced off against each other, the game ended in a 2-2 tie. This is the first loss Western New York has suffered in their last 10 matches. A goal early in the second half by captain Lori Chalupny secured a 1-0 victory for the Red Stars.

“Taryn (Hemmings) made one of her dashing runs forward, that she is so good at,” said Chalupny of the lead-up to her goal. “Inka got the ball on frame and it was one of those easy ones (for me). I just tried to get something on it.”

As soon as the game began the physicality level for the match was set. Rachel Quon received a yellow card in the 13th minute of the game, creating one of the first opportunities for the Flash. A separate foul set up a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 6th minute where Carli Lloyd ripped a shot that bounced off the cross bar. Erin McLeod quickly fell on top of the loose ball inside the box, keeping the score at 0-0. Inka Grings had a close opportunity in the 25th minute when a through-ball was placed at her feet. She took one too many touches on the 1 vs. 1 with Flash goalkeeper Adrianna French who ended the breakaway with a tackle.  The first half was scoreless for both teams, though many opportunities were created.

The Red Stars started the second half aggressively tallying the first and only goal of the game in the 57^th minute. Inka Grings received a cross in front of the goal in the six-yard box from the left sideline from teammate Taryn Hemmings. She then headed it toward the goal, but it was deflected by goalkeeper Adrianna Franch. Chalupny was there for the deflection, throwing her body in front of the ball, and tapped it into the back of the net to put the Red Stars on the scoreboard.

The duo of Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd created multiple close call opportunities toward the end of the second half, but the Red Stars defense held strong. This was the fourth victory for the Red Stars this season as they look to continue their rise towards playoffs.

After the match, Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames had nothing but praise for his team captain.

“Lori (Chalupny) is a top 5 player in the league regardless of her national team status. She does what she does and we are happy to have her.”

The Red Stars look to keep the momentum going as they travel to Washington D.C. this Wednesday, July 10th, taking on the Washington Spirit before returning home July 14th to face off against FC Kansas City at 3 p.m. CT. Tickets are available for Sunday’s match by visiting chicagoredstars.com or calling 773-697-8699.

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