Americans look to continue building momentum

CHICAGO – After a historic rout for the U.S. Women’s National Team to open their World Cup play, the team aims to put themselves firmly in control of Group F in a match against Chile on Sunday, June 16.

Chicago Red Stars captain Julie Ertz and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher started the previous match for the defending champions in their World Cup opener. Naeher pitched a shutout in her first World Cup appearance and her 25th clean sheet for the National Team. Ertz helped keep Thailand scoreless before being subbed off in the 69th minute.

The U.S. WNT faced off in a pair of friendlies last fall against Chile, winning both games 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. Ertz and Naher played roles in the victories, but it was Red Stars teammate Tierna Davidson that made the biggest impact of the series, helping the American defense earn two clean sheets by playing all 180 minutes and scoring her first-ever international goal in the first matchup.

Despite the lopsided scorelines and La Roja’s FIFA ranking of 34, they proved to be a tricky side to break in their opening World Cup game against 9th ranked Sweden. The underdogs held the Swedes scoreless until the final 10 minutes of play when former Red Stars midfielder Kosovare Asllani finally put Sweden on top in the 83rd minute. They would add another goal in stoppage time courtesy of Madelen Janogy.

Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 11 a.m C.T. The Chicago Red Stars front office will be at watch parties throughout the Chicagoland area, including a presence at the U.S. Soccer Watch Party in Wrigleyville, Timmy O’Tooles, and throughout the suburbs.