Julie Johnson & Christen Press combine for three goals and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earns shutout.
CHICAGO – For fans that watched the U.S. Women’s National Team take on Colombia in an international friendly on Sunday, April 10, they were also seeing three Chicago Red Stars lead the U.S. to victory.
Three Chicago Red Stars are currently on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster – Julie Johnston, Alyssa Naeher and Christen Press – all whom earned the start on Sunday. In front of a sold-out crowd of 17,275 fans at Talen Energy Stadium, Julie Johnston scored 2 goals, earning her first career brace, Christen Press scored the game winner and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned the shutout, her fourth career win for the U.S. WNT.
Chicago Red Stars forward Christen Press scored her 33rd international goal in the 26th minute when she one-touched a bouncing ball over the Colombia goalkeeper.
Julie Johnston has become known across the globe for her ability to finish set pieces, with all seven of her international goals coming off set plays. In the final minutes of the second half, Johnston would find her way into the 18-yard box on a free kick from Tobin Heath. A bending ball in to the right side of the six-yard box, Johnston was able to volley in the back of the net for her first goal of 2016.
The Red Stars defender would tally one more in unbelievable fashion. In the 79th minute, Johnston would make a run near post on the set play and find the back of the net off a diving header.
The newest Red Stars goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher earned her fourth career win and shutout against Colombia in her second appearance of the year.
All three Red Stars are now back in Chicago and gearing up for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season opener this Saturday, April 16 in Houston. Johnston, Naeher and Press will be kicking grass on April 23 at Toyota Park at 6 p.m. (Central). Season and single game tickets are currently on sale for your chance to see the best-of-the-best play in Chicagoland. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 773-697-8699.
*Image courtesy of U.S. Soccer
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