NFL
By: Jeffrey Newholm
The size of Link’s bags often mystifies gamers who enjoy The Legend of Zelda titles. How does he fit tunics, weapons, medallions, and (hopefully) Triforce shards in such a small device? When one applies this thought to the Chicago Stars’ new life at Northwestern’s Martin Stadium, one can better contextualize the club’s status.
The Stars’ entertainment bag has too many odds and ends bulging against the canvas. The in-match entertainment, while certainly better than Forest Temple’s, is still developing.
And yet, fans must appreciate the organizational power that promises an outstanding product when the Stars mature into red giants. Once the product on the pitch improves to the excellent NWSL mean, Chicago’s women’s sports arsenal will have another potent arrow in its already bountiful quiver.
Mal’s Intent
Stop that clock! How can Team NBS Media be complementing the Stars’ talent when the club has a strikingly poor goal differential of -19?
Against table-topping San Diego, however, Chicago passed the eye test with every color of the international day’s rainbow. An early defensive gaffe gifted the Wave an early goal, prompting a large and fervent crowd to wonder whether another poor result would follow.
Not so! Thanks to outstanding goalkeeping by rising Star Katie Atkinson and a determined offensive effort nearly matching San Diego’s, the Wave could not duplicate their tally.
Of special note was the return of Olympic hero Mallory Swanson from maternity leave. The striker, although still returning to full form, still dazzled. Her first-half breakaway led to an awkward Wave tackle and a yellow card, one of two San Diego cautions.
As for the Stars? An ethical clean sheet.
As the clock wound up well past 90′, due to two long injury stoppages, Chicago pressed in search of an equalizer. Jordyn Huitema discovered it with a late boot, sparking fan delirium as it appeared their Stars salvaged an unlikely point.
However, VAR had a different thought. Seconds before the Wave kicked off action again, the referee raced over to the sideline to review for a possible offside. (Cue the Jeopardy! theme.) Alas, he disallowed the goal. The monkey’s paw promises of replay improving American sports again spited fans through a technicality. San Diego broke away for another good measure goal, resulting in a 2-0 decision.
What verdict does Team NBS Media give the lakeside club? While not at full-time in its development, Chicago soccer still gives red cards to dismissive skeptics.
Saves and Continues
This cub reporter wished for Link’s compass to help navigate the confounding concourses! Yet, the venue choice markedly improved. Previously, home matches occurred in the southern suburb of Bridgeview. Declining SeatGeek Stadium, placed in a challenging area, is not a proper home for major professional soccer.
By contrast, Evanston proves a splendid location for a rising Star in a blooming league. Whatever faults one can find with the stadium, ample fan support demonstrates a realistic future for women’s soccer in the windy city.
Most impressively, rumors of terrible match quality proved massively offside. The Stars competed fiercely against arguably the league’s best club. True, ifs and buts are not saves and continues. Chicago must keep fighting on the pitch while attracting corporate support, which is vital to growing leagues.
Still, though, Chicago women’s soccer provides a family-friendly afternoon with the promise of lasting success. As fans left the perfect Sunday afternoon, clutching bags full of goodies, they could imagine Link’s iconic departure that concludes Ocarina of Time.
Master Sword returned to the pedestal. One city departed with another kingdom beckoning: a journey towards equality that, in but its first season north, already has gremlins of doubt in complete retreat.
