Press powers dramatic Red Stars win
Striker scores in stoppage time for 3-2 win in opener
By Chicago Red Stars staff
LISLE -- The Chicago Red Stars defeated National Women's Soccer League Shield holders Seattle in stoppage time time Saturday night. An extra-time strike from U.S. Women’s National Team forward Christen Press gave the hosts the exciting season-opening win.
Press had a foot in each of the Red Stars goals. She scored twice and provided an assist on Jen Hoy’s first half tally.
After an uneventful opening half hour, Seattle got on the board first. Megan Rapinoe swunging in a corner kick from the right that evaded the hands of Chicago goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc and was nodded home at the far post by Beverly Yanez.
The hosts had an instant response, as the ball slipped through to Press and the California native made it 1-1 with a clinical finish past Reign netminder Hope Solo.
Moments later, the Red Stars took the lead when Taryn Hemmings released Press, who picked out Hoy in the center of the area for a simple tap-in.
The lead was short-lived, however. The Reign pulled level on a close-range Kendall Fletcher header following a corner kick from the right and some indecisive Chicago defending.
Red Stars striker Press continued to create havoc after the break.
She picked out a wide-open Hemmings, only to see the subsequent shot comfortably saved by Solo. Then Chicago captain Lori Chalupny’s through-ball released Press one-on-one with the Seattle goalkeeper, who reacted well to an attempted fake and forced her USA teammate wide.
The hosts were nearly punished for the missed opportunities, but Karina LeBlanc tipped Kim Little’s 63rd-minute drive around the post for a spectacular save. Ten minutes later, Seattle’s Solo answered with a strong parry to deflect Vanessa DiBernardo’s dangerous effort wide of the frame.
Just when the crowd at Benedictine University thought a win wasn't in the cards, Press provided the play that sent the home fans into a frenzy. The 26-year-old stunned the Reign FC defense by sprinting to a bouncing ball and calmly slotting it past Solo for the 91st-minute game-winner.
The Chicago Red Stars hope to continue their successful start against superstar Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns FC on April 25 in Lisle.
Striker scores in stoppage time for 3-2 win in opener
By Chicago Red Stars staff
LISLE -- The Chicago Red Stars defeated National Women's Soccer League Shield holders Seattle in stoppage time time Saturday night. An extra-time strike from U.S. Women’s National Team forward Christen Press gave the hosts the exciting season-opening win.
Press had a foot in each of the Red Stars goals. She scored twice and provided an assist on Jen Hoy’s first half tally.
After an uneventful opening half hour, Seattle got on the board first. Megan Rapinoe swunging in a corner kick from the right that evaded the hands of Chicago goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc and was nodded home at the far post by Beverly Yanez.
The hosts had an instant response, as the ball slipped through to Press and the California native made it 1-1 with a clinical finish past Reign netminder Hope Solo.
Moments later, the Red Stars took the lead when Taryn Hemmings released Press, who picked out Hoy in the center of the area for a simple tap-in.
The lead was short-lived, however. The Reign pulled level on a close-range Kendall Fletcher header following a corner kick from the right and some indecisive Chicago defending.
Red Stars striker Press continued to create havoc after the break.
She picked out a wide-open Hemmings, only to see the subsequent shot comfortably saved by Solo. Then Chicago captain Lori Chalupny’s through-ball released Press one-on-one with the Seattle goalkeeper, who reacted well to an attempted fake and forced her USA teammate wide.
The hosts were nearly punished for the missed opportunities, but Karina LeBlanc tipped Kim Little’s 63rd-minute drive around the post for a spectacular save. Ten minutes later, Seattle’s Solo answered with a strong parry to deflect Vanessa DiBernardo’s dangerous effort wide of the frame.
Just when the crowd at Benedictine University thought a win wasn't in the cards, Press provided the play that sent the home fans into a frenzy. The 26-year-old stunned the Reign FC defense by sprinting to a bouncing ball and calmly slotting it past Solo for the 91st-minute game-winner.
The Chicago Red Stars hope to continue their successful start against superstar Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns FC on April 25 in Lisle.