Red Stars shutout Dash
The Red Stars shutout the Dash in their 2-0 victory during Lifetime's Game of the Week at Toyota Park.
Chicago had the first opportunity on goal after Julie Ertz intercepted the ball in Chicago's attacking third. Making her way through two defenders, Ertz struck the ball toward goal, narrowly missing the far post by inches.
With Chicago continuing the strong possession, Sofia Huerta found Vanessa DiBernardo open in the box. DiBernardo took one touch to shoot, but Houston defender Cari Roccaro was able to deflect the ball enough for goalkeeper Lydia Williams to smother it.
Moments later, Chicago's captain Christen Press put the Red Stars on the attack again when she chipped a ball into the box for Huerta, who chested it down for a shot. Before being able to release the shot, the ball was knocked out of bounds by a Dash defender.
In the 32nd minute, Houston found their first true opportunity in the final third as captain Kealia Ohai dribbled into the box past Chicago defenders, but her strike fell straight into the hands of Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
Just before the first half whistle, Chicago earned a goal as Danielle Colaprico set up a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The ball was driven into the box and hit off Houston's Sarah Hagen for an own goal, giving Chicago the 1-0 lead into the second half.
Chicago started the second half on the same foot as Press used her attacking strength to release two shots toward goal, one swerving just wide of the post as the other fell into the hands of Williams.
The Red Stars would add another goal to their name in the 61st minute as Ertz found her second goal of the season. Amid chaos in the box, the ball fell to Ertz' feet and she struck it from close range on frame, ultimately giving Chicago the 2-0 lead.
Nearing the final minutes of the match, Houston made a strong effort after Nichelle Prince went 1 on 1 against the Chicago defense, but her shot was knocked away by Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The Dash's pressing in the final 10 minutes was not nearly enough, earning Chicago their second victory of the season, remaining undefeated at Toyota Park with the 2-0 win over Houston.