Red Stars open WPS season with 1-0 victory

EDWARDSVILLE -- Lindsay Tarpley's goal in the 78th minute lifted the Chicago Red Stars to victory in the team's inaugural game, a 1-0 win over Saint Louis Athletica Saturday night in front of 5,008 fans at Ralph Korte Stadium.

Defender Marian Dalmy picked up the assist on the game's lone tally in a match the Red Stars played largely in their own half of the pitch. Pushing forward along the right flank, Dalmy served a dangerous, dipping ball just over the back line to Tarpley, who ran into the box and volleyed the ball with her left foot to the far right post. The ball sailed past outstretched Athletica keeper Hope Solo and into the net.

"It happened so fast," Tarpley said after the match. "Marian played a great ball into the box and I made a back post run and got through, and I was just there to finish it off."

It was just the second shot after intermission for Chicago, which was outshot 15-7 by Athletica in the match. Both teams managed four shots on goal, with Red Stars keeper Caroline Jönsson recording all four saves. Athletica keeper Hope Solo stopped three shots.

"I think there was an awful lot of emotion and anxiety coming into the game," said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes. "I thought they did well. You come away from home and defend like that; I think we deserved to nick the winner in the end."

The Red Stars return to action on Saturday to play the Washington Freedom at RFK Stadium.