Chicago Red Stars Win Match Benefitting Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Soccer News: The Western New York Flash hosted its annual Pink game on Saturday night against the Chicago Red Stars in front of 3,525 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium. This season, the fifth-annual Pink game benefited Roswell Park Cancer Institute as the team raffled off game-worn jerseys, player-designed raffle baskets and prize packs from sponsors.
The Chicago Red Stars’ winless streak in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ended at six on Sunday night, as Head Coach Rory Dames’ squad defeated hosts Western New York Flash, sporting limited-edition pink jerseys, 2-0 behind a comprehensive team performance and the standout play of forward Christen Press. The U.S. star bagged a stunning goal late in the opening period and assisted on Jen Hoy’s assurance tally after the break. The victory gives Chicago a significant boost in its battle for second place in the standings and the right to host a postseason semifinal on September 13. This was the ninth time the Flash have been held without a goal this season.
Press, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, got the visitors on the board on an individual effort in the first half. Gathering the ball in the midfield, Press sprinted on to Adriana Leon’s long ball over the top of the defense and tried to chip Flash goalkeeper Chantel Jones, only for the delicate effort to sail just high of the frame. After the move, she fired a shot to the far post that was able to beat Jones in the 40th minute.
Western New York had a dangerous chip of its own, Colombia star Lady Andrade trying her luck from the top of the box for a narrow miss that saw the ball land on top of the net.
Hoy added an insurance goal in the second half, with the assist coming on an outside of the foot pass from Press. Hoy made a run through the backline and was able to slip the ball through the legs of Jones, who had to come off her line on the play.
Flash defender Kristen Edmonds was dangerous in the attacking end, with two near goals after forcing Michelle Dalton into difficult diving saves. Ten minutes in, forward Michelle Heyman was open after a cross from Edmonds, but she miss timed the header and Dalton was able to grab the ball.
Jones finished the match with four saves.
The Flash will wrap up the 2015 season on Friday night, when Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns visit Sahlen’s Stadium. The Chicago Red Stars look to defend their all-important second place in the NWSL table when they host superstar Carli Lloyd and Houston Dash on Sunday, September 6.
Western New York Flash 0, Chicago Red Stars 2
Scoring Summary
40′ Christen Press (Assist: Julie Johnston) CRS
65′ Jen Hoy (Assist: Christen Press) CRS
Lineup:
Chicago Red Stars : Dalton, Gilliland, Erceg, Johnston, Hemmings, Colaprico, Chalupny, DiBernardo, Leon, Huerta, Press
Western New York Flash : Jones, Edmonds, Engen, Dahlkemper, Hinkle, Edwards, Mewis, Spencer, Ayinde, Andrade, Heyman
Watch Match Highlights:
