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Week 7 will feature a match of déjà vu, the Chicago Red Stars will face North Carolina Courage once again. This time the rematch will see the Red Stars play host, on their promotional Bark in the Park day. North Carolina will be on short rest, having just won a match this past Wednesday against Sky Blue FC.
The Red Stars are coming off a win against North Carolina, and with the announcement of a new international player in Yuki Nagasoto who will join the team next week, the buzz and excitement around Chicago is contagious.
Where we last saw them
Just last week, the Red Stars visited North Carolina in search of their first road win for 2017. Chicago broke out the goals against the top team in NWSL. With a total of 3 goals on the day, Christen Press, Sofia Huerta, and Vanessa DiBernardo all contributed to the scoresheet. While the goals all came within a 15 minute time span, a steady back line and strong goal keeping contributed to final the 3-1 result.
Starting line up we’d like to see
4-4-2 (diamond)
During last week’s game, Vanessa DiBernardo left the game after a what appeared to be a rough knee knock in the game. We’re hoping to see her back in the line up, in the ten like last week.
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Keys to the Match
Twin Towers
North Carolina is coming off a mid-week win with goals from forwards Lynn Williams and Jessica McDonald. The backline didn’t have much pressure from them the previous week as McDonald was featured in the Courage’s 3 back. With the return of their captain Abby Erceg, Chicago’s backline will have a much taller challenge ahead of them.
Run the mid
Last week containing Debinha in the midfield was a key to the match. This week will be no different as North Carolina’s midfield features the Brazilian, along with Samantha Mewis and McCall Zerboni. Look for Julie Ertz and Danielle Colaprico to have another strong game.
Don’t stop now ladies
In a 24-game season, the first quarter has concluded. The first six weeks the league has shown its parity on full display. Entering week 7 there were 6 total points separating the first seeded team and the ninth seeded team. The Red Stars are sitting in the top four of the standings, coming off a win, and scoring goals. Whether its Christen Press, Sofia Huerta, or even Julie Ertz, let’s hope the Red Stars keep the goals coming. Another win against the top team would help the Red Stars maintain their top four standing in the league table.
How to watch
Kickoff: Saturday May 27, 3pm Central Time at Toyota Park (Bridgeview, IL)
Final Thoughts
Do you think the Red Stars can beat the top team in NWSL twice in a row? With the goals now coming, will someone collect a brace? Is a hat trick wishful thinking? Leave your thoughts in the comments below?