2009 Regular Season Archives

The Red Stars played their final match of the year last night in St. Louis and fell to Athletica 2-0 with two goals from Sarah Welsh.  They ended their season with a record of 5-10-5.  

A young fan joins Chicago Local 134 members on a bus ride to the inaugural Red Stars match on April 4, 2009 in St. Louis

The Red Stars play their final game of the season tonight in St. Louis against Hope Solo and the rest of her Athletica squad. It seems like ages ago when I departed on a bus headed to St. Louis with other Chicago Local 134 members, as well as,  Red Stars staff and owners to cheer the ladies on in their inaugural match in April (they defeated St. Louis 1-0 with a second half goal from Lindsay Tarpley).

With momentum on their side after defeating LA Sol 3-1 this Sunday- I hope that the Stars can pull off another moral victory against their midwestern rivals tonight.

Cheers to a bittersweet ending.

Friends of the Red Stars

• Preview: Red Stars at Athletica [SlideTackles.net]
• WPS Midweek Matches & Notes-August 5th [Women's Soccer Weekly]
• Red Stars Close Inaugural Season Wednesday at Saint Louis  [Chicago Red Stars]
• WPS Week 19: A Look Back [Soccer By Ives]
• Tarpley Earns 2nd Player of the Week Honor [Chicago Red Stars]

Stay tuned for an interview with Red Stars player Nikki Krzysik!

This Sunday I had the pleasure of witnessing the last Red Stars home game of their inaugural season.  They ended their season by defeating the the top team in the league, LA Sol, 3-1.

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. CHI - Carli Lloyd, 2 (Lindsay Tarpley, 4) 24.
2. CHI - Lindsay Tarpley, 4 (Brittany Klein, 3) 47.
3. LA - Han Duan, 3 (Shannon Boxx, 3) 90.
4. CHI - Cristiane, 7 (Ella Masar, 2) 90+.

This game wasn't much more than a game of pride for the Red Stars, as they fell short of a spot in the playoffs by losing to the Freedom 3-2 the week before (LA has already clinched a spot in the WPS championship match).  It was, however, a great way for the Stars to end their season.  As a Red Stars supporter I think they have proved that even though they didn't manage to land a spot in the playoffs this year- that they could still come out and play an entertaining, well played game of soccer.

If you weren't able to attend this match, check out highlights here.

The Red Stars thank their fans after their final home game this season. The Red Stars played in front of the third largest WPS crowd this season with 7,959 people in attendance.

CHICAGO RED STARS COACH EMMA HAYES
We showed this time when we got a goal against us that we had enough character to go straight down the other end and get the winner.  I think there's credit to the team to show their character in a game on some levels in meaningless to us at least because we're out of the playoffs.  For me, that will be the benchmark moving forward.  This is a building platform for next year so I am happy with the result.  (Chicago Red Stars press release)

The Red Stars may not have qualified for a spot in the playoffs this season- but that's no reason to sit at home this Sunday- LA Sol is in town! Two talented Brazilians, Marta (LA Sol) and Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars), are ready to go head to head one last time this season.  It's a game not to be missed!

Join the supporters group, Chicago Local 134, as they cheer on the Stars one last time this year at Toyota Park in section 119.

The 411 on the Red Stars vs Sol

• LA Sol has the best record (11-2-5) in the WPS and has scored a spot in the WPS Championship game
• The Red Stars tied LA 1-1 and lost to them 4-0 in previous matches earlier in the season
• Marta has been the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2008
• Cristiane has been the third place FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, 2008

Friends of the Red Stars

• Cristinae squares off vs. Marta [ESPN]
• WPS Brazilian battle: Red Stars' Cristiane vs. L.A. Sol's Marta [Examiner]
• Red Stars order the filet à Sol [American Soccer News]

 

What are you doing this Sunday summer afternoon?  Head on out to Toyota Park to see the Chicago Red Stars host the Washington Freedom at 3PM (Central). The Red Stars only have three games remaining this season and they're still striving to reach a position in the WPS playoffs. 

The Red Stars will be doning green jerseys this game in an effort to raise awareness about recycling and protecting our Earth. Fans can bid on these special jerseys at a silent auction held throughout the game at the Red Stars Charitable Foundation tent on the Northeast concourse. The Red Stars will also be rewarding all drivers of hybrid vehicles that are driven to the game by taking $5 off parking. In addition, Citizen's Utilty Board will be handing out energy efficient light bulbs to all fans at the end of the game. Repurpose an old shirt and give it a new life!  Bring a shirt to the game and get it screen printed at the GreenLaces booth! (Red Stars go Green)

The Red Stars played Sky Blue FC on Sunday and were missing several starters- Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Lindsay Tarpley and Karen Carney- all out due to national team call ups. Because of this, the Red Stars had an opportunity to start players who typically only see playing time for the last 10-20 minutes of the game.  Both, Danesha Adams and Ella Masar, started up top with Cristiane, while Lydia Vandenbergh started as an outside back on the defensive end.

The Red Stars had several scoring opporutnities, including two rockets from Adams and a header from midfielder, Chioma Igwe, that went just wide of the goal.  In the end, the Stars were never able to capitalize on their scoring opporutnities, this seems to be the sad story of their season, as Sky Blue FC scored the only goal of the game in the 91st minute of play.

Chicago only has three games remaining this season.  They'll need to get wins in all three games, plus additional luck from the rest of the league to even dream of making the playoffs.  But anything is possible in the game of soccer, right?

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Friends of the Red Stars

• Red Stars Come Away Empty in New Jersey -- From Chicago Red Stars Media Relations

• WPS-The Homestretch -- From Women's Soccer Weekly, Posted by KC Albertina

Just when the Red Stars thought they had picked themselves up off the ground, they quickly fall off the victory bandwagon before we even had a chance to finish celebrating history making Cristiane's hat trick.

The Red Stars played in Boston last night and out shot the Breakers 21-11, but they weren't able to finish any of their chances.  Angela Hucles scored for the Breakers in the 35th minute of play and were able to hold on to their 1-0 until the final whistle.
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Friends of the Red Stars

• WPS Update: Lots of Goals -- From USSoccerPlayers.com
• Boston Breakers 1, Red Stars 0 -- From SlideTackles.net Chicago's Soccer Scene, By Charlie Corr
• WPS Week 16: A Look Back -- From Soccer By Ives, By Christa Mann
• WPS Midweek Matches & Notes-July 15th -- From Women's Soccer Weekly, Posted by KC Albertina
• Red Stars Fall, 1-0, On The Road at Boston -- From Chicago Red Stars Media Relations
• Red Stars' win streak halted in loss -- From ESPNChicago, By Jacqueline Purdy

The Chicago Red Stars play the Boston Breakers tonight at 6PM (CT) at Harvard Stadium.  After winning their last two home games, the Stars are looking to gain a third consecutive win. This game will not be televised but most often you can follow the RS matches via Twitter @ChicagoRedStars.

[Image Courtesy of Pott Rodriguez] The CRS are on top of the world after ending their 9 game winless streak and winning two consecutive games at home.

Cristiane's history making hat-trick on Sunday made her a perfect candidate for WPS player of the week. This is the second consecutive week that a Red Stars player has won this honor.

Here's a look at Cristiane's goals through photos:

Cristiane scores her first goal of the match against FC Gold Pride with a penalty kick. This was the first goal via a penalty kick in Red stars history.

Cristiane receives an amazing ball from Rapinoe, beats the keeper, and the ball makes it's way through FC Gold Pride defenders

More photos...

We're not frowning anymore!

After Chicago defeated Washington last week the Red Stars are hopeful that they'll make a run for a spot in the playoffs late in the season.

The Chicago Red Stars take on FC Gold Pride this Sunday at Toyota Park at 7PM.  Come cheer them on, as they fight for a win that could push them closer to playoff contention. (Red Stars Look to Continue Playoff Push vs. FC Gold Pride Sunday)

[Image Courtesy of Pott Rodriguez]

Chicago Red Stars celebrate 1999 this Sunday

The Chicago Red Stars are celebrating then ten year anniversary of the 1999 U.S. Women's World Cup Championship this Sunday when the Red Stars take on FC Gold Pride- 7PM at Toyota Park.

World Cup heroes Brandi Chastain, Tiffeny Milbrett, Briana Scurry, and Kate Markgraf will be on hand to celebrate the anniversary and interact with Red Stars fans throughout the July 12 game against FC Gold Pride. To commemorate this historic anniversary, the Red Stars are offering a special 99 cent ticket offer for Sunday's game. Purchase your first ticket for only 99 cents and all accompanying tickets will be discounted at the group rate. The first 100 fans who take advantage of this offer with tickets in the midfield section will be able to have their photos taken with Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry and the 1999 FIFA World Cup trophy.

Additionally, prior to the game all fans will have the opportunity to meet U.S. '99 goalkeeper Briana Scurry and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive PUMA Cheer Stix and make sure you visit the PUMA lounge in the pre-game fun zone.

Tickets are on sale now through the Red Stars office at 1-866-WPS-2009 or by logging on to www.chicagoredstars.com.

Red Stars favorites, Ella Masar and Natalie Spilger, warm up before the Match.

Cristiane takes on Freedom's keeper, Erin McCleod, in the 1st half. In the early minutes of the 2nd half, Cristiane netted for the Red Stars to tie the game at 1-1. 

RS defender, Ifeoma Dieke, goes in hard against Freedom and USWNT offensive powerhouse, Abby Wambach.

Yes, they did it!

The Red Stars came back from behind and defeated Washington 2-1.  Thank goodness for a victory at home to help end a nine match winless streak. 

Here are some other facts from last night's match at Toyota Park:

The Red Stars came out strong at the beginning of the match with shot after shot at the Freedom's goal. However, they were unsuccessful in finding the back of the net.  How unlucky could one team be?

In the 34th minute, Abby Wambach scored for Washington with an assist from Lisa De Vanna.  At that moment, the hearts of all the Red Stars fans in attendance sank.  I know mine did.  Would they add a tenth game to their winless streak?

At the very beginning of the second half Cristiane brought hope back to her teammates and fans when she put the ball past Freedom's goalkeeper, Erin McLeod, with an impressive back heel.  The stadium was alive again, and the Red Stars were now tied 1-1.

Chioma Igwe of the Chicago Red Stars. Photo Courtesy of Robert Mora / Chicago Red Stars

I wish I could say that the Red Stars pulled out of their eight game winless streak and defeated the LA Sol yesterday, but instead they dug a deeper hole and lost to LA Sol 4-0.  The Red Stars have now been winless in nine matches, and they haven't scored a goal in over 400 minutes.   They're last in the league with 11 points, while LA Sol stay at the top of the table with 34 points, although they have played two more games than the Red Stars have so far this season.  But even if the Stars win their next two matches they'll still only have half the total number of points that LA does at 17 points.  

Red Stars players Carli Lloyd, Brittany Klein, Nikki Krzysik, Natalie Spilger and Ella Masar will be making an appearance tonight at North Avenue Beach. The Stars will be helping to promote Chicago 2016 and in celebration of Olympic Day by showing off their juggling skills and interacting with those in attendance. Stop by and say hello, I mean, who doesn't want to hang out with these ladies...

Photo Courtesy of David Durochik / Chicago Red Stars

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For those who weren't able to catch the Red Stars this Sunday (like myself), the Red Stars lost to Kristine Lilly and the Boston Breakers 2-0.  This loss makes it their eighth game in a row without a win. Since I wasn't able to make the game, you can find more details about the match here.

The Chicago Red Stars lost to Sky Blue FC yesterday 1-0.  I'd say more, but I was only able to follow half of the match on match tracker.  

The Chicago Red Stars are finishing up their extended road trip in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC tonight. The Stars are 0-1-1 against Sky Blue this season, but hope to be triumphant this evening even without starter, Karen Carney, who was ejected from their game on Sunday against the Freedom.

Will Carli Lloyd return from injury and find her place back on the pitch to help provide danger in the attacking end for the Red Stars? Can Megan Rapinoe and Cristiane use their speed and skill to find the back of the net? Will keeper and Sweedish star, Caroline Jonsson, continue to be a force to be reckoned with between the posts for Chicago? If all signs point to yes, the Stars are capable of coming home with a win (3 points) from the match tonight (6 points total from the extended road trip that started on June 3rd in LA). A win tonight would also put an end to their three game tying streak.

Oddly enough, Sky Blue FC has a strong Chicago following, since three of their players are Chicago area natives. Oswego native Julianne Sitch played collegiately at DePaul and in the W-League with both the Chicago Cobras (2001-04) and Gaels ('07). Jen Buczkowski hails from Elk Grove and also played with the Cobras ('04) and Gaels ('05-08). Additionally, Lauren Sesselmann was drafted by the Red Stars in the 2009 general draft and spent most of training camp with Chicago but did not make the team's final roster.

Even with strong Chicago support behind this east coast squad, hopefully the CRS will be able to come back home with their first win against Sky Blue, making their way into hearts of Chicago Sky Blue FC supporters.

Tonight's game is not televised but can be followed on Match Tracker at 6PM central.

C'mon you Stars!

Check out these video highlights of the Red Stars vs Freedom match, including Karen Carney's red card against Abby Wambach.

Is there a rivalry developing between Chicago and Washington?

I sadly wasn't able to make it to the Red Stars/Fire double header in DC over the weekend.   However, I did hear a rumor that the Red Stars tied their third straight game in a row while on their extended road trip. 

If you weren't able to catch the Red Stars game against FC Gold Pride this Sunday then you can find highlights to the game here.

Lindsay Tarpley and Cristiane are now tied as leading goal scorers for the Red Stars nine games into their season.

The Red Stars faced FC Gold Pride on Sunday, June 7th in Santa Clara, CA and hoped for a victory that would push them to the second spot of the league standings tied with the Washington Freedom at 12 points apiece.

FC Gold Pride netted a goal in the 14th minute of play when Eriko Arakawa slipped the ball across the box to Christine Sinclair of FC Gold Pride beating both Marian Dalmy and Caroline Jonsson, while finding the back of the net.  This early goal would surely test the Red Stars character.  Would their heads fall? 

The Stars tenacity prevailed and early in the second half Chioma Igwe knocked the ball wide to winger, Megan Rapinoe, who found the head of Cristiane near the six yard line.  Cristiane headed the ball down towards the far post making its way past an FC Gold's defense and into the goal.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, as neither team was able to rally for another goal for the win.

This Saturday, June 13^th, the Chciago Red Stars will make history when they join the Chicago Fire in the first ever WPS/MLS double-header against the Washington Freedom and DC United.  Who will Obama be supporting? Decisions, decisions...  I have a feeling both Chciago teams are thinking, "pick me!"

• The Red Stars (2-3-3-) play against FC Gold Pride (3-5-1) today at 7 PM central on Comcast SportsNet. Currently FC Gold Pride are just one point above the Red Stars in the WPS standings. Find more news on the game at the Chicago Red Stars site.

 

• Friday night the Chicago Fire lost to the Houston Dynamo 1-0 with a goal in the fourth minute of play. Even with the loss, they remain in first place in the Eastern Conference standings with 21 points.  Although the Fire didn't come out of the match with 3 pts, Section 8 Chicago should be applauded for their efforts: Friday Night Lights.  

 

• The US defeated Hondoras 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier at Soldier Field with goals from Landon Donavon and Carlos Bocanegra.   With this win the US still occupy their second place spot in their World Cup qualifying group. The top three teams within the group automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the fourth place team will need to qualify by beating the fifth place team from South America in a playoff series.

 

• Chicago Red Eleven, the Chicago Red Stars W-League affiliates, dominated the Cleveland Internationals with a 4-0 win last night in Cleveland.  Red Eleven are currently in first place in the Midwest Division of the W-League. 

 

• FC Indiana, another powerhouse of the W-League, destroyed Kalamazoo 4-0.  Rumor has it that Kalamazoo is a much improved team over last year's squad- a promising sign for the future of the WPS. 

If you didn't get to catch the Chicago Red Stars vs LA Sol match live via webcast last night then here are a few things you missed out on:

• Carli Lloyd and Ifeoma Dieke are both out due to injuries. Because of this, the Stars resorted to a new lineup formation with a 4-4-2.  Cristiane and Lindsay Tarpley were a magical pairing up top, while Natalie Spilger and Jill Oakes both made their starting debuts at center back.

• The Red Stars have finally rebounded from their almost 400 minute goal drought with a goal by Cristiane in the 88' (assisted by Ella Masar).  Cristiane, the brilliant international super star that we were all hoping and waiting for has arrived! Thank you, thank you!

• The Rubik's Cube girl: The camera man spotted eye candy early in the game, a young lady manipulating the Rubik's Cube in the crowd.  She appeared in the broadcast a handful of times throughout the match.  The worst thing about these appearances was that she was not on screen at the time of dead balls, before set plays, or during injuries but while the game was 100% in play.  I mean, she was cute and all, but really?  Is this what the WPS demographic was interested in checking out?  I'm not so sure. 

• Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that Camille Abily of the LA Sol scored a goal in the 90^th minute to tie up the game, which then ended in a 1-1 draw? Sad, but true... 

The Red Stars continue their road trip and are off to play FC Gold Pride in the Bay Area on Sunday, June 7th.  They kick-off at Buckshaw Stadium, Santa Clara, CA @ 7 PM central.  Red Stars players- Marian Dalmy, Chioma Igwe, and Brittany Klein- will be welcomed with open arms as they return to the their alma-mater's stadium. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with professional soccer in the Chicagoland area, let me introduce you to the Chicago Red Stars. The Red Stars are Chicago's very own professional women's soccer team, and they're currently participating in the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) season.

The Red Stars are currently eight games into their inaugural season with a record of 2-3-3. They started the season at the top of the table with a win in their first ever match against St. Louis Athletica, a pair of ties, and a crushing 4-0 defeat against the Boston Breakers.

Sadly, the Stars were defeated on their home turf at Toyota Park in their last three home games (Red Stars vs Sky Blue FC- L, 2-0; Red Stars vs FC Gold Pride- L, 1-0; Red Stars vs St. Louis Athletica- L, 2-0).  However, with a tie (1-1) against the LA Sol (currently the top team in the league) last night, they're looking to continue to rebound while playing four games on the road this month.

You can find the Red Stars schedule here.
 
And now let the second half of the season begin...