CHICAGO (April 21st, 2021) - The Chicago Red Stars welcomed their National Team players back into the starting lineup and Katie Johnson scored the equalizer late in the match as Chicago earned a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw.
KEY MOMENTS 40’ - Kealia Watt and Casey Krueger initiate the build up play with Watt able to lead Katie Johnson to a shot, but the ball just misses wide.
63’ - Krueger is able to head a ball down to Johnson for a shot on net, but it finds the hands of Abby Smith.
80’ - Amy Rodriguez finds the open space from a goal kick and takes advantage to score the first goal of the game.
82’ - Johnson’s persistence around the net pays off, netting a goal off an Arin Wright pass to bring the game back level only two minutes after conceding.
GAME NOTES
Tonight’s contest saw the Red Stars debut of Mallory Pugh, who featured in the team’s starting XI for the first 35 minutes. She would get 16 touches on the ball and two interceptions before being subbed off. “It was good to get her out there,” said coach Rory Dames postgame. “She’s worked hard to get back. That first outing, with the energy and adrenaline, is always an important one.”
Katie Johnson would sub on for Pugh, and her impact was felt throughout the rest of the game. She would see out the rest of the contest and win all three of her aerial duels, complete 15 passes, and total five shots with two on target, including the equalizing goal in the 82nd minute.
Tierna Davidson made her 2021 debut for Chicago as well, picking up where she left off as a rock in the center of the defense. Davidson would finish the game playing all 90 minutes and lead the team in clearances (8), touches (84), and total passes (62), while also registering two interceptions.
Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher rounded out the return debuts for the Red Stars squad, both in the starting XI as well. Naeher only saw two of KC’s seven shots go on target, conceding one and saving the other. Ertz would finish her day leading the team with 33 passes in the opposing half, 13 duels, five interceptions, and also had three shots during the game.
Next Game
The Red Stars conclude their 2021 Challenge Cup on the road in Seattle, taking on OL Reign on Tuesday, April 27th at 9pm CT.
Chicago Red Stars vs KC NWSL April 21, 2021 SeatGeek Stadium (Bridgeview, IL)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
Chicago Red Stars 0 1 1
KC NWSL 0 1 1
Scoring Summary
CHI: Johnson 82’ (Arin Wright)
KC: Rodriguez 80’ (Abby Smith)
Disciplinary Report
CHI: Colaprico 25’ (yellow), Ertz 65’ (yellow)
KC: Vincent 84’ (yellow)
CHI: GK Naeher, D Krueger, D Davidson, D Gorden, D Wright, M Ertz, M Colaprico (Stanton 83’), M DiBernardo (Woldmoe 83’), M Gautrat (Doniak 71’), F Pugh (Johnson 35’), F Watt (Hill 71’)
KC: GK Smith, D Corsie, D Bowen, D Del Fava, D Maemone, M Scott, M LaBonta (Logarzo 75’), M Vincent, F Vasconcelos (Listro 52’), F Rodriguez, F Pickett (Larroquette 90+4’)
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