NFL
By: Zachary Draves
A warmer than average fall afternoon before an adoring and loyal home crowd of 7,027 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL welcomed the Chicago Red Stars as they entered their sixth consecutive NWSL Playoffs in the quarterfinal match-up against NY/NJ Gotham FC.
The Red Stars earned a spot in the playoffs after some crucial wins at the end of the regular season as well as riding high on a four-game win streak at home.
This was the culminating point for them after a slow start to the season that rendered their hopes into uncertainty but the talent and determination of venerable players such as defensive powerhouse Sarah Gordon, MVP hopeful Mallory Pugh, and Olympic medalist Casey Krueger got them over the hump.
Their veteran presence matched with their explosive offense and solid defense gave them a good chance going into this match against a NY/NJ who have one of the strongest defensive teams in the league as well as some sound offense in MVP favorite Midge Purce and of course women’s soccer legend Carli Lloyd in what is her last season.
From the start, the Red Stars relied much on their back-line to keep Gotham at bay as the offense was finding difficulty maintaining possession of the ball and few attempts for a shot on goal.
Throughout the first half, both teams were playing at very much the same pace and as a result, the first half ended with no score.
The second half began with the defense still running the show on both sides.
All that changed at the 61:00 minute of play with a driving goal by the phenomenal Mallory Pugh off a perfectly executed assist by Sarah Woldmoe to put the Red Stars on the board 1-0.
That along with their defensive stranglehold was enough to give them the victory and move on to the semifinals.
The sum-up of the game is as follows provided by the Red Stars.
KEY MOMENTS
55’ – A flurry of Gotham attacks came down the middle of the box, but were ultimately cleared away by Tierna Davidson.
56’ – Gotham FC threatens with an attack down the left flank, but Sarah Gorden thwarts the attempt and brings the ball towards the middle of the pitch to start a counter-attack.
61’ – Sarah Woldmoe forces a turnover from Gotham, then leads Mal Pugh with a pass inside the box. Mal curls the shot to the back post, breaking the deadlock and giving Chicago the lead.
GAME NOTES
Mal Pugh’s performance today was one of many that played a pivotal role in the Red Stars advancing to the NWSL semi-finals, and one that added to her MVP case. Pugh scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 61st minute while also finishing the day with three total shots, 50 touches, 24 passes, nine crosses (a team-high), and a tackle.
Sarah Gorden put in another performance that bolstered her league Defender of the Year campaign. She won back possession seven times (tied for team lead) and would finish the game with a tackle, clearance, 26 touches, and 20 passes as she assisted the Red Stars backline in keeping a playoff clean sheet performance.
Sarah Woldmoe’s return to the starting lineup proved to be a significant one, playing a direct role in the outcome of Sunday’s contest. She registered the tackle that would lead to her eventual assist on Mal Pugh’s goal while also tallying 37 touches, 26 passes with an accuracy percentage of 76.9%, two tackles, and two interceptions.
Morgan Gautrat once again unlocked the midfield and played a crucial part in keeping the midfield intact. Gautrat finished the game with the team lead in passes (45), touches (66), tackles (7), and clearances (2).
Afterward, Red Stars Goalkeeper Cassie Miller spoke of the thrill of winning at home and experiencing postseason success for the first time.
“We are just so happy to be at home today in general and have home-field advantage with this crowd” she said.
“This is just a step to get there and this is my first NWSL playoffs so I am just trying to take one day at a time and I know that our team is going to be solid in front of me.
The conclusion of this game marked the conclusion of Carli Lloyd’s legendary career.
A career defined by history-making moments including becoming all-time leading scorer in women’s soccer, World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, and leading the charge for equal pay for the USWNT.
She has meant so much to the sport and nothing will ever change that.
The Red Stars will take on the Portland Thorns on Sunday 11/14 at 4:30 pm CST.
