Although they drew against the Western New York Flash, the draw clinched a playoff spot in the NWSL playoffs for the Chicago Red Stars. It will be their first playoff appearance in their three years in the league and it was a huge moment for the club. But they still have work to do. Their last win came a month ago against the Boston Breakers and getting a win in their last few fixtures is a must for Chicago.
Getting back Christen Press was huge for Chicago and they will rely on her to lead the attack as they have not scored more than one goal in a game since August 1st. Since coming back from the Women's World Cup, Press has been on fire. She has shown great chemistry with the midfield and her wingers and has shown the speed to get to through balls or balls over the top of the defense. It also is a big plus that she can finish with both feet equally well.
Chicago's offense has been given a tremendous boost from the play of Alyssa Mautz. She has been Chicago's best player on offense this month and will look to create chances from the wing. Mautz can create for herself and swing in crosses into the box. She has been one of the main facilitators on offense for Chicago and her play will be crucial for Chicago when they go forward. The defense had a solid game against the Flash but it took a couple of great saves from Michelle Dalton to keep the game level. Karina LeBlanc will likely be the starter for Chicago against the Flash.
It was a solid performance for the Flash as well, but they just couldn't finish their chances and they walked away with a draw. Although a playoff spot is out of consideration for this team, they will look to improve upon their current standing where they sit second to last in the NWSL table. They are still without Sydney LeRoux, who is nursing an injury she sustained after the World Cup. LeRoux was the Flash's star striker and they have struggled to score without her. But some of her production has been taken by the likes of Samantha Mewis, who is proving to be a good midfielder for the Flash.
For Chicago, this game will mean more for playoff seeding. Given that all four playoff teams are set, spots 2-4 are still up for grabs in terms of seeding. The Seattle Reign have run away with 1st place in the table and the title but the rest of the playoffs are up for grabs. Kansas City, Washington, and Chicago are tied on points. But KC has played one more game than the other two so Chicago has a chance to grab that crucial 2nd seed.