Photo Credit: James Smith

CHICAGO – The Red Stars Reserves stared its first weekend of the season with back-to-back victories, defeating WPSL newcomer Dakota Fusion 8-0, and Minnesota Twin Stars 11-0.

Within minutes of the match Erin Yenney gave Chicago the lead-off goal, thanks to a corner cross by Emily Hess. Yenney recently played in two games for Chicago’s first team, playing 23 minutes. Bri Visalli added to the lead minutes later after scoring off a deflection by the goalie.

Making the lead even larger and adding to the excitement, Patricia George faked out the defense and maneuvered a shot from the top of the 18-yard box. Making the score 3-0 in the first 20 minutes.

Jenna Szczesny broke through defense causing her to come head-to-head with the goal keeper. Dodging the goalie Szczesny put an easy shot to the side netting. Chaos broke out in the box resulting in Yenney’s second goal of the match, charging into halftime, 5-0.

After halftime, the team once again stormed the field. Minutes into the half, Megan Buckingham crossed a flighted ball into box that was picked up by Hope Breslin who beamed it passed the goalie. By the 81^st minute of the game Channing Foster tallied a brace to finish the first match with an 8-0 win.

Just two days later, Chicago was back at it, taking the lead early on against rival Twin Stars.

Starting off the game strong, Chandra Eigenberger scored the first goal as Jo Boyles found herself at midfield, sending a flighted ball to the outside box. Eigenberger was able to control, dribbling to the edge of the goal box, releasing a dagger of a shot to the side of the net.

Shortly after, Megan Buckingham took advantage of a hole in the defense to notch the second goal. Minutes later, Zoey Goralski sent a lofted ball in the air and Erin Yenney found herself in the right place at the right time, skillfully heading the ball into the net.

Before halftime, Jenna Szczesny and Ena Sabanagic both scored unassisted goals off of loose balls in the box, leading a 5-0 scoreline into the second half.

With the second half of the game underway, Chicago once again came out strong as Channing Foster scored with and assist from Szczesny, causing the lead to grow to 6-0.

In a matter of minutes, Lauren Long tallied her first goal as Szczesny and Eigenberger finished each of their braces.

With 10 minutes left, Chicago upped the score after Yenney topped off her brace, ending the match with a notable 11-0 score.

Next up, Chicago will take on Milwaukee Torrent tonight, Wednesday, June 6^th at Gentile Field in Aurora, Illinois (8:00 p.m. CT).