Press, Red Stars win season opener

Posted April 18, 2015 6:01 pm

Special to the Daily Herald

The Chicago Red Stars defeated NWSL Shield holder Seattle Reign FC in dramatic fashion, capturing a 3-2 victory on a stoppage-time strike by Christen Press on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams at Benedictine University in Lisle.

Press, a U.S. Women's national team forward, bagged a brace and added an assist on Jen Hoy's first-half goal.

Seattle got on the board first when Megan Rapinoe swung a corner kick from the right that evaded goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc. Beverly Yanez put the ball into the goal past the far post by Beverly Yanez.

The Red Stars responded when Press scored past netminder Hope Solo.

Moments later, the Red Stars' Taryn Hemmings released Press, who picked out Hoy in the center of the area for a simple tap-in. The Reign tied the match on a close-range Kendall Fletcher header following a nice cross.

Press stunned the Reign FC defense by sprinting to a bouncing ball and slotting past Solo for the 91st-minute game-winner.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.