PREFACE: The Fire got a much-needed win through much-needed luck from the wind, while the Red Stars opened on the right foot spoiling Utah’s return to the NWSL. This, plus some local Open Cup action coming up.
FIRE: Instead of St. Patrick’s Day, it felt more like Groundhog Day for most of the Fire’s match against CF Montreal. It appeared likely that the Fire would slump to their third straight loss and put even more pressure on coach Frank Klopas and Xherdan Shaqiri. It was after Shaqiri was subbed off that the Fire showed more urgency and managed three goals en route to victory. The wind was going to be a factor given how it blew the ball away from the spot as Brian Gutierrez was set to take his penalty kick and would play a vital role in Kellyn Acosta’s prayer of a long ball that had Montreal ending up saying, “Sacre bleu!”
Not the prettiest of wins, certainly one of the luckiest, but it’s still a win and now the task is to continue the momentum against a pointless New England side. Shaqiri is unlikely to be in the lineup as he is part of the Switzerland squad for a pair of friendlies against Denmark and Republic of Ireland.
Also going on international duty will be goalkeeper Chris Brady to the USA Olympic squad for matches against Guinea (March 22nd) and France (March 25th) in Europe. The USA has qualified for the Olympics in Paris via the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship where Brady won the Golden Glove as the competition’s best goalkeeper.
For more of Leslie Smith’s photos from Saturday’s Fire match, please click on the link.
RED STARS: This will be a rebuilding season for the Red Stars, but it got off to a terrific start against Utah Royals on Saturday. Both Sam Staab and Maxi Rall making impacts in the back, Alyssa Naeher making three outstanding saves, and Mallory Swanson spearheading the attack playing 81 minutes. Ally Schlegel and Ava Cook scored the goals for the Red Stars as they open with an away victory against the Royal who are back in the NWSL after a two-year absence.
Next up for the Red Stars is their home opener against Seattle Reign at SeatGeek Stadium at 3pm on NWSL+ streaming service.
US OPEN CUP: No Chicago Fire first team this year, but there is local Open Cup action this Wednesday in the First Round of the tournament. Chicago Fire II of MLS NEXT Pro will host Chicago City AC of USL League Two in Bridgeview on Wednesday at 7pm CT. Also, Midwest Premier League side Chicago House AC host Minnesota United 2 at Langhorst Field at Elmhurst College also at 7pm.
