Red Star Julie Ertz tries to take from FCKC defender Christina Gibbons [Photo by Don MacGregor].
BRIDGEVIEW, IL–If the Chicago Red Stars have their sights set to be one of the best teams in National Women’s Soccer league this coming season, then maybe a change from recent years may not be out of the question.
Just maybe it starts with a different spot for Julie (Johnston) Ertz making a move from the back line to more of an attacking midfielder role.
She stepped forward for the game-winning goal off an assist from Sophia Huerta in the 41st minute and lifted the Red Stars past visiting FC Kansas City 1-0 at Toyota Park on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m always up for helping the team in any way,” Ertz said. “It was really fun and to score was exciting. Getting the first win of the season is a great feeling. It’s really special, because Sophia (Huerta) and I have a real good connection all throughout college. I know her tendencies and she knows mine as well. We hold each other accountable on the field. We want to get better and we both do and want to push each other. It was really special to see her cross that and it was such a perfect cross.”
Ertz has had some experience in her past moving to this new position and she seems to like the idea.
“I was excited to be honest,” Ertz said. “I was a forward and midfielder all through college and through my entire life. I felt very comfortable. The easiest thing was that my teammates were all for it, behind me and cheering me on. To do this at this level is different then college. I’m learning as well and its fun.”
Red Star Julie Ertz takes on FC Kansas City to win possession (Photo by Don MacGregor).
However, where Ertz may end up finding the right spot remains to be seen in future games. It appears that Coach Rory Dames has some other ideas to create more opportunities for the club and to make better options. She has been playing more on the defense side as a center back with the National team and with the Red Stars in recent years.
“I do like both, doing center back at such a high level,” Ertz said. “That’s probably why I’m more comfortable at understanding things. But you never know, I just love playing on the field and to help the team any way I can. Just want to help the team whatever that is and that’s exciting.”
Huerta has something that helps out working with Ertz by playing soccer together in the past years, which can be translated to success on the field. It might also lead to more goals throughout the season ahead.
“I’ve been playing with her since I was young,” Huerta said. “She’s such a good player all around defensively and offensively. It doesn’t matter where your going to put her, she’s going to do well. When (coach) Rory (Dames) mentioned she was going to play ’10,’ I just laughed and figured she was going to do well. I though it was kind of cool that I assisted her goal just cause we’ve been playing together so long. We just have that connection!”
Chicago Red Stars
