Red Stars Start Same Lineup, Get Different Result Against Houston

Photo: Leslie Smith

Chicago Red Stars 0-1 Houston Dash

(Editor’s Note: You can view more of Leslie Smith’s photos after the box score and by clicking on the link.)

BRIDGEVIEW, IL—Chicago Red Stars fielded the same starting XI from Wednesday night against Kansas City, but got a different result on Saturday against Houston Dash. The Dash defeated the Red Stars, 1-0, before 5,488 at SeatGeek Stadium—the largest crowd at SeatGeek this season. It is also the Red Stars’ first home loss at SeatGeek this season to go with the one at Soldier Field back in July.

The match’s only goal came in the 25th minute when Nichelle Prince found Ebony Salmon in space outside the area and beat Alyssa Naeher far post. Outside of that, the Red Stars were unable to get anything going offensively with just four shots overall (one on target).

Red Stars head coach Chris Petrucelli went with the same starting XI that demolished Kansas City on Wednesday night.

“I had conversations with all [the starting XI from Wednesday]if they were capable of playing [another 90 minutes],” said Petrucelli. “Obviously, they were, but it was trying to get as many of the best players that we can this time of year when we have got to find points and finding points is the most important thing.

“This match was a little ugly. I think our legs got us a little bit. I’m not sure [Saturday’s] match is a fair evaluation of who we are. It was difficult for players. I hope the league at some point realizes that playing on two days’ rest is a little harsh. But credit to Houston. They played well and scored a very good goal.”

The Red Stars travel to Portland a week from Sunday (September 25th) at 3pm Central time on Paramount+. With this and the regular season finale against Angel City FC on October 2nd, both matches look set to be six-pointers for playoff places.

SCORING SUMMARY

HOU-Ebony Salmon (Prince) 25

BOOKING SUMMARY

HOU-Nichelle Prince (caution, reckless tackle) 38

HOU-Katie Naughton (caution, tactical foul) 45+2

HOU-Ryan Gareis (caution, tactical foul) 49

HOU-Ally Prisock (caution, tactical foul) 53

CHI-Bianca St. Georges (caution, tactical foul) 56

HOU-Michelle Alozie (caution, time wasting) 89

CHICAGO RED STARS (3-4-3): #1-Alyssa Naeher; #31-Amanda Kowalski, #20-Zoe Morse, #23-Tatumn Milazzo; #22-Bianca St. Georges (#3-Arin Wright 81), #10-Vanessa DiBernardo, #24-Danielle Colaprico, #5-Rachel Hill; #7-Yuki Nagasato (#27-Chelsie Dawber 81), #8-Ella Stevens (#13-Morgan Gautrat 58), #9-Mallory Pugh

Subs not used: #21-Emily Boyd, #14-Jill Aguilera, #18-Sam Fisher, #25-Ava Cook, #19-Channing Foster, #15-Sarah Griffith

HOUSTON DASH (4-3-3): #1-Jane Campbell; #2-Allysha Chapman, #23-Ally Prisock, #25-Katie Naughton, #5-Caprice Dydasco (#30-Natalie Jacobs 61), #21-Ryan Gareis (#18-Emily Ogle 61), #13-Sophie Schmidt, #15-Marisa Viggiano; #7-Maria Sanchez (#19-Elizabeth Eddy 90+2), #11-Ebony Salmon (#22-Michelle Alozie 81), #8-Nichelle Prince (#10-Shea Groom 90+2)

Subs not used: #20-Lindsey Harris, #14-Bri Visalli, #34-Michael Abam, #89-Valerie Gauvin

TOTAL SHOTS: CHI 4-9 HOU

SHOTS ON GOAL: CHI 1-4 HOU

FOULS: CHI 13-15 HOU

OFFSIDES: CHI 7-0 HOU

CORNER KICKS: CHI 3-3 HOU

SAVES: CHI 3-1 HOU

Referee: Matt Thompson

Assistant Referees: Katarzyna Wasiak, Austin Holt

4th Official: Kaitlyn Trowbridge

Weather: Mostly Clear and 80º

Attendance: 5,488