The Chicago Red Stars played their first home game of the 2017 NWSL season, defeating FC Kansas City 1-0 on a goal from Julie Ertz.
Ertz, who started at midfield, finished a low ball across the penalty area from Sofia Huerta from the top of the 6-yard box.
41' – #CHIvKC 1 – 0
@chicagoredstars's @_juliejohnston_ scores the first goal of the game with assist from @schuerta!!! pic.twitter.com/eiAHd2gkC1— NWSL (@NWSL) April 22, 2017
Just five minutes in, Christen Press hit a dipping ball towards the left side of the goal, but was denied by a diving Nicole Barnhart.
5' – @FCKansasCity's @nbarnhart with a great diving save to her right off a shot by @ChristenPress!!! #CHIvKC pic.twitter.com/InUlke6mim
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 22, 2017
She also missed a penalty kick early in the second half after Ertz was taken down in the box. Among her other notable misses were a shot off the post in the 65th minute.
Barnhart came up big on another occasion, denying Ertz who got low to re-direct a cross from Casey Short towards goal.
27' – Another terrific save by @FCKansasCity goalkeeper @nbarnhart from a point blank header by @_JulieJohnston_ ??? #CHIvKC pic.twitter.com/gVBR4SY4Hn
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 22, 2017
With all the action, it was only a one-goal game.
The Red Stars will be on the road next week as they take on the Thorns on Sat. April 29 at 1:00 p.m. PT at Providence Park. The match will air live on Lifetime.
FC Kansas City will travel to New Jersey to take on Sky Blue on Sun. April 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The match will available to stream on the go90 app.
