Will Meet WNY Flash In Chance to Control Destiny

Chicago, IL – The Red Stars are in a unique position to control their destiny as they continue the simple motto ‘win and in’ for the 2014 NWSL Playoffs. With victories in their last two matches against FC Kansas City (2-1) and Boston Breakers (2-0), the Red Stars have so far gotten the job done on their quest to reach the team’s first-ever professional playoff berth. The last team in the way is the recently knocked-out WNY Flash who they’ll meet tonight, Saturday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m. CT, when the Red Stars celebrate Fan Appreciation Night presented by CJ Wilson Mazda.

The Red Stars (9-7-7, 34pts) continued their winning form this past Wednesday putting in a needed 2-0 victory over the visiting Breakers. It was a true team effort as both Red Stars goals came off corner kicks from Vanessa DiBernardo and went through three players before hitting the net. The first was supplied by Jackie Santacaterina to Julie Johnston who headed it across goal to Alyssa Mautz who set the tone with an early goal in the 9th minute of play. Santacaterina again won the header on the second corner-kick goal that fell to Taryn Hemmings, who tapped it out of the way of the goalkeeper to Melissa Tancredi who put the Red Stars up 2-0 in the 81st minute.

Western New York Flash (8-12-3, 27pts) had a heart breaking 3-2 loss at the hands of Sky Blue FC on Wednesday. Forward Adriana Martin put the Flash up 1-0 off an assist from forward Abby Wambach. However, Sky Blue was quick to answer with two goals scored by Kelley O’Hara and Nadia Nadim. Sky Blue forward Sonia Bermudez tied the game 2-2 in the 79th minute before Nadim scored her second of the night in the 89th minute to give Sky Blue the victory. The defeat eliminated the Flash from playoff contention.

With a victory tonight the Red Stars will be guaranteed a #3 or #4 playoff spot. Their final positioning will be dependent on the result of the Washington Spirit (currently in third)/Sky Blue FC match that is taking place in D.C. about 90 minutes before Red Stars kickoff. If the Spirit win, they will hold onto #3 and the Red Stars would claim #4.  The #4 seed will travel to take on NWSL Shield winners Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, August 24 at 8 p.m. PT. If the Spirit lose or tie, then the Red Stars can claim 3rd place and a trip to meet FC Kansas City on Saturday, August 23, at Noon CT. Even with a tie or loss, the Red Stars still have a chance to make playoffs dependent of other matches around the league, such as Portland Thorns FC vs Seattle Reign FC, taking place Sunday.

Red Stars vs. WNY Flash will take place at Benedictine University. For tickets, visit chicagoredstars.com/tickets/ or call 773-697-8699. Tickets also available at the box office prior to kickoff. The match will be streamed live for free at https://chicagoredstars.com/live. Fans can also receive live in-game updates from the Red Stars official game day Twitter: @redstarslive