In their first game of the season, the Chicago Red Stars were able to grab a point in stoppage (Photo by Jose Castellanos).
THOUGHTS ON THE RED STARS: The Red Stars had three of their regular starters—Casey Short, Julie Ertz, and Vanessa DiBernardo—injured and Sam Kerr was on international duty with Australia. For the better part of 90 minutes on Sunday in Houston, it appeared the Red Stars would leave BBVA Compass Stadium with an opening day loss for the second straight season. However, Taylor Comeau’s header off a corner in stoppage time snatched a surprise point.
Red Stars head coach Rory Dames called the point, ‘fortunate’, but given the circumstances with all the injures, it could prove vital as the season goes one.
Now the Red Stars head home for their home opener against Portland on Saturday night at 7:15pm. The game is part of a doubleheader as the Fire play the Portland Timbers in the first half of the double header at 5pm.
DEFENSE NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: It goes without saying that the defense needs to be better and that they need to strengthen that squad sooner rather than later. It’s not David Accam they miss so much right as Joao Meira as he had a good working partnership with John Kappelhof last season. Jonathan Campbell cannot come soon enough to help, but Matt Polster is expected to miss 4-5 weeks with a knee sprain.
The Fire can create chances despite not having a true #10 (central attacking midfielder) even though Aleksandar Katai has shown promise while wearing #10. Imagine the possibilities if the Fire can actually get a true #10.
A pressing need between that of a central defender and a central attacking midfielder is that of a goalkeeper. Richard Sanchez is not winning many plaudits with his play and has on more than one occasion gave people bad memories of Jorge Bava when he ventured out from goal. He has made saves, but has also given up second chances which has led to three goals for the opposition this season. We expect the Fire to score goals, but the Fire need to improve a great deal in defense—especially since they are currently expecting Dax McCarty, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Tony Tchani are expected to be much more two-way in midfield at the moment.
No need to panic just yet after an 0-2-0, but the Fire certainly need to address some concerns right now. 
Chicago Red Stars
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