The Washington Freedom and Chicago Red Stars played to a 0-0 draw Sunday at the Maryland SoccerPlex despite Chicago dominating statistically.

Red Stars forward Cristiane put five of her six shots on goal and Chicago had an incredible 23 but could not find the back of the net.  Washington managed just five shots and only three were on target, but goalkeeper Erin McLeod made ten saves for Washington.

"Plain and simple, we dominated the game," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. ''But once again we didn't finish our chances in front of the goal.  We had four or five very clear chances to score.  And on a day like this, with very hot conditions, our performance was very good and our energy level was good."

Chicago forward Ella Masar struck a Cristiane cross from 15 yards out in the 18th minute, but the shot went over the bar.  Marian Dalmy's 35th minute free kick would be more of a challenge to McLeod, but the Canadian international goalkeeper punched the ball over the bar to keep the game scoreless.

French international and 2010 WPS All-Star Sonia Bompastor was replaced by Beverly Goebel at halftime, a move that Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra said had to do with heavy legs from the midweek All-Star Game in Atlanta.

"Sonia physically couldn't do what she can do," Gabarra said.  "She played in the All-Star Game (Wednesday) and has played a lot over the last few weeks.  That's why I replaced her going into the second half."

Gabarra felt that many tired legs on the field had to do with the mid-week showcase.  WPS teams played matches on the weekends before and after the All-Star Game.

"You have players out there that can't move," Gabarra said.  "We have four players who have played three games in one week with the All-Star Game.  I'm just glad Erin (McLeod) played much better, and that she had good defensive help."

In a search for answers, Gabarra moved Nikki Marshall up front from her usual defensive position in the 72nd minute.  She joined Abby Wambach up top, who was searching for answers of her own.

"I was just as frustrated as I maybe have ever been today," Wambach said.  "I just can't find the ball.  I had one good chance today and I didn't do my best with it.  Sometimes in this league you only get one chance and you've got to put it away when you get it."

Neither team's players will have any time to get their legs back under them.  Washington (4-3-4, 16 pts.) next travels to New Jersey Wednesday night to take on Sky Blue FC and Chicago (3-5-4, 13 pts.) hosts the Atlanta Beat Wednesday as well.

BOXSCORE

Washington Freedom (4-3-4) vs. Chicago Red Stars (3-5-4)
Sunday, July 4, 2010 - Maryland SoccerPlex
FINAL
 

SCORING SUMMARY:

Team 1    2    F

WSH: 0    0    0

CHI:     0          0          0

WASHINGTON FREEDOM - Erin McLeod, Cat Whitehill, Nikki Marshall, Rebecca Moros, Becky Sauerbrunn, Allie Long (Brittany Klein, 88'), Sonia Bompastor (Beverly Goebel, 47'), Homare Sawa, Sarah Huffman, Abby Wambach, Lene Mykjaland (Kristi Eveland, 73')

Substitutes Not Used: Briana Scurry, Christie Welsh, Alex Singer, Jill Gilbeau, Marisa Abegg, Ashlyn Harris, Caitlin Miskel

CHICAGO RED STARS - Jillian Loyden, Marian Dalmy, Whitney Engen, Kate Markgraf, Natalie Spilger, Megan Rapinoe (Kosovare Asllani, 73'), Formiga, Katie Chapman, Karen Carney, Ella Masar (Casey Nogueira, 69'), Cristiane (Anita Asante, 88')

Substitutes Not Used: Elise Weber, Allison Whitworth 
 

For the complete boxscore go to: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/boxscores/2010/964323.aspx