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Chicago Red Stars 2 Press 29’, 52’
Orlando Pride 1 Kennedy 90+3’
First things first: the most important thing you need to know about this game was that the pre-kickoff lineup announcements were set to music from Star Wars.
Star Wars themed starting line ups as promised by @CRSPABrett! #CHIvORL #NWSL pic.twitter.com/xgKhXEC0G2
— Sandra (@SandHerrera_) July 22, 2017
Did this have anything to do with our interview with Rory Dames earlier in the week? Who’s to say.
In somewhat less important news, the Chicago Red Stars came back from a tough road trip and got back on their stride with a 2-1 win over the Orlando Pride.
And they got this win in characteristic Red Stars fashion— strong defending and Christen Press working some magic.
The first half was a typical Red Stars first half; which is to say, barely worth talking about. Lots of pensive prodding, lots of building the defenses for the coming siege. If you’ve watched this time more than twice in the past few years, you know what to expect.
The Red Stars usually don’t get on the board until either right at the end of the first half or in the early in the second half. But the home side were just too eager today. Too anxious. Like a young padawan, still learning the ways of the force, who just wants to lift an X-Wing already.
Thus did CP23 herself fudge the gameplan ever so slightly.
Huerta to Press and the Red Stars are up, 1-0. That touch by Press. #CHIvORL pic.twitter.com/ImoAo4vXYy
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) July 22, 2017
Is there anything more beautiful than Sofia Huerta and Christen Press combining for a goal? I doubt it.
Despite a somewhat makeshift backline this afternoon— featuring Casey Short at centerback, because YOLO?— Chicago’s defense held up pretty well once Orlando decided to stop fucking around after the goal. Even so, there were moments when keeper Alyssa Naeher had to dig deep.
Like this.
37' - @chicagoredstars' @AlyssaNaeher with a big save to deny @ORLPride's @alexmorgan13. #CHIvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/0PIA7i8CCd
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2017
And this.
42' - Marta with a long distance attempt for @ORLPride. #CHIvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/g57VnZAiFh
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2017
But they held it together long enough to take that 1-0 lead into the tunnel with them at half time.
The second act began ominously— head coach Rory Dames was sent to the stands for using strong language with one of the officials. (We don’t know what further sanctions will come down from the league, if any. Stay tuned this week for updates.)
Whatever cloud hung over the team as a result of their coach being taken off the board was soon dissipated, thanks to more magic from Press.
52' - Another goal for @ChristenPress!!! @chicagoredstars with a 2-0 advantage. #CHIvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/wbUU4I4FDV
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2017
At this point the feeling was that the game was in the bag. The big question was whether Press would get her hat trick.
She didn’t, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
65' - @ChristenPress almost gets her third for @chicagoredstars. #CHIvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/gKmI8WBb3w
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2017
Beyond that, the Red Stars stuck to their usual plan— lock down the back end of the pitch and repel the siege.
86' - Nice work to create a shot by @alexmorgan13 from tough angle and force a save from @AlyssaNaeher. #CHIvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/1QDAn6uc6t
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2017
And it worked.
Mostly.
Kennedy gets one back for Orlando. 2-1 in #ORLvCHI. pic.twitter.com/cfncOUmLLu
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) July 22, 2017
Thanks goodness for insurance goals, eh?
Late drama notwithstanding, the Red Stars managed to hang on for the win. The gameplan worked. It’s a good plan. When it works.
The Chicago Red Stars (8W 4D 3L, 28pts, 1st place) are off next weekend for the international break. They’re back in action on August 5th for a rematch with Orlando on the road.