Orlando Pride 0-1 Chicago Red Stars
ORLANDO, FL—A Kealia Watt goal was enough to send the Red Stars to their NWSL-record sixth successive playoff appearance as they defeated the Orlando Pride, 1-0, at Explorian Field. The win ensures that the Red Stars will open the playoffs at home a week from Sunday finishing no worse than fourth place.
Despite controlling much of the first half, the Red Stars were unable to put the ball into the net with Mallory Pugh having several chances. The Pride’s chances were few, but their first real one nearly went in before halftime. Cassie Miller misplayed a cross and Alex Morgan had a chance for a tap-in only to be disrupted by Arin Wright and pushing her shot wide.
Watt’s goal came in the 65th minute after she turned Kylie Strom and beat Erin McLeod far post for what would be the match’s only score. Miller picked up the clean sheet only having to make one save on the night and that was against Emily Van Egmond from distance.
After various struggles throughout the season from the rough start in Portland to battling through injury, fixture congestion at times, and inconsistent form; the Red Stars have persevered to get back into the playoffs on the back of three straight wins.
“It’s great for the club,” said Red Stars head coach Rory Dames. “Credit to the players that have been here for the whole time. We have a good core group and we change players in and out. No Julie [Ertz] for all but 28 minutes of this year. Alyssa [Naeher] played eight games. Had to figure a rhythm with our front players to replace Sam [Kerr]. Credit to the group and the work they put in this year. And credit to the players and coaches that have been here in the past.
“We have rotation in staff, we have rotation in players, but there’s a core group that’s been pretty consistent and they seem to drive the group when we need them.”
“We started with a 5-0 loss [at Portland]and we never forgot and we struggled at the beginning of the season and people thought we were the worst team ever,” said Kealia Watt. “So we had done incredibly well just each week getting better and better and that’s what’s been so cool. To see us end here where we are at, from where we started is so awesome. It took a lot of work and a lot of time and that’s why I’m so proud of that.
Sarah Gorden earned “Iron Woman” status having played every minute of the regular season.
“It’s an honor to be back there and play behind and be the clean up person for this team. I just respect what all my teammates do and how hard they work on the field. It’s an honor to be back there and to clean some things up.”
“Whenever we’re going into three-game weeks how we were going to rest people, Sarah is never even part of the conversation,” added Watt. “She is so tough. I don’t know how she does it. Every day I’m like, ‘How are you still running? How are you still going?’ We would not be where we are without Sarah.”
“The second half of the season [Gorden] has been the best defender in the league in my opinion,” said Dames. “She has elevated her game to a different level. She’s been lights out.”
The Red Stars will next play at SeatGeek Stadium a week from Sunday against either Gotham FC, Houston Dash, or North Carolina Courage. Kickoff time and opponent to be determined after this Sunday.
SCORING SUMMARY:
CHI-Kealia Watt (Gautrat) 65
BOOKING SUMMARY:
ORL-Kylie Strom (caution, tactical foul) 30
CHI-Kealia Watt (caution, reckless tackle) 55
ORLANDO PRIDE (4-3-3): #1-Erin McLeod; #23-Kylie Strom (#7-Ali Riley 59), #21-Phoebe McClernon, #3-Toni Pressley, #17-Courtney Petersen; #8-Gunnhidur Jonsdottir (#20-Parker Roberts 69), #14-Marisa Viggiano, #15-Erika Tymrak (#5-Emily Van Egmond 46); #9-Jodie Taylor (#29-Abi Kim 74), #2-Sydney Leroux, #13-Alex Morgan
Subs Not Used: #18-Kaylie Collins, #30-Brittany Wilson, #12-Carrie Lawrence, #31-Crystal Thomas, #4-Amy Turner
CHICAGO RED STARS (3-4-3): #38-Cassie Miller; #23-Tatum Milazzo, #11-Sarah Gorden, #26-Tierna Davidson; #10-Vanessa DiBernardo, #24-Danielle Colaprico (#7-Nikki Stanton 86), #13-Morgan Gautrat, #3-Arin Wright; #15-Makenzy Doniak (#5-Rachel Hill 46), #9-Mallory Pugh (#4-Alyssa Mautz 84), #2-Kealia Watt (#18-Ella Stevens 84)
Subs Not Used: #21-Emily Boyd, #14-Zoe Morse, #22-Bianca St. Georges
TOTAL SHOTS: ORL 6-17 CHI
SHOTS ON GOAL: ORL 1-4 CHI
FOULS: ORL 4-10 CHI
OFFSIDES: ORL 1-0 CHI
CORNER KICKS: ORL 1-3 CHI
SAVES: ORL 3-1 CHI
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Assistant Referees: Ashlee Varnson, Miguel Martes
Fourth Official: Sarieni Vasquez
Weather: Mostly Cloudy and 66º
Woman of the Match: Arin Wright (CHI)
