Chicago Red Stars host Sky Blue on Saturday aiming to continue their recent improved form in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The Red Stars took just one point for their first two matches of the season against Houston Dash and Portland Thorns, but they have bounced back with victories over Utah Royals and Houston.
Chicago were quick out of the blocks in their most recent match against Houston/a>, opening up a 2-0 lead inside the first 11 minutes.
Kristie Mewis put the ball into her own net early in the game, before Lauren Kaskie grabbed the first goal of her career to put Chicago in control. Sofia Huerta made it 3-0 midway through the second-half to complete the victory.
The result left Chicago second in the NWSL table, five points behind leaders North Carolina Courage.
With women’s national team starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher playing a starring role, Chicago was one of four teams to earn an NWSL play-off spot last season and hopes are high that they can continue their upward curve this time around.
Saturday’s clash with Sky Blue pitches Chicago against USA Women’s soccer legend Carli Lloyd. Now 35, Lloyd scored the winning goal against Brazil to capture the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. She also hit a hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final against Japan.
Lloyd’s involvement on Saturday is likely to attract a bigger than average crowd to the game. Plan your trip to the match by searching for affordable hotels in Chicago near Toyota Park at ChicagoHotels.org. If you need a rental car from Chicago O’Hare airport, check the best car rental options via TravelMag. Tickets can be booked at the official website of the Red Stars.
Chicago have dominated Sky Blue over the past few years, winning seven and drawing seven of their last 14 meetings with the New Jersey side.
Despite Lloyd’s addition to their squad Sky Blue are currently bottom of the table after slipping to single goal defeats against North Carolina and Seattle Reign.
Another legend of the women’s game in the USA, Megan Rapinoe, ruined Lloyd’s home debut by grabbing the only goal of the game for Seattle from the penalty spot.
Sky Blue finished sixth in the NWSL/a> last season and with Lloyd in their line-up they should quickly start climbing the table.
However, with goalscoring star Sam Kerr soon to return from international duty with Australia, another victory over Sky Blue this weekend would give the Red Stars a great platform to build on for the rest of the campaign.
