The Chicago Red Stars bounced back from giving up a weird goal to draw 1-1 with the Portland Thorns.
Bizzare goal gives Portland the lead
The Thorns, who haven't lost this season, had the first chance of the game off an awkward cross that forced Red Stars goalie Alyssa Naeher to tip the ball over the bar. It would have been a tough goal to give up but Naeher did well to push the ball over the bar and into the netting. The early chance seemed to give Portland confidence going forward. They had another chance five minutes later when Tobin Heath dribbled her way into space and played a ball that had to be cleared away.
A major chance occurred in the 16th minute when Lindsey Horan, who is tied with Christen Press for most goals in the NWSL (3) got on the end of a cross from the right side. It was a reaction save from Naeher to deny Horan the goal. The rebound rolled along the goal line but went out for a goal kick. Heath had a chance in the 17th minute but her shot hit the side netting.
With all the pressure and possession, it would seem certain that Portland would score. A goal came but it was one of the weirdest goals you will ever see. Sam Johnson played a back pass to Naeher but it was short, causing the keeper to rush out more than usual to get the ball. Portland captain Christine Sinclair rushed out to pressure the kick which ended up hitting the Canadian international. The ball bounced back off the deflection and rolled across the line for a goal. It was one of the weirdest goals ever and a type of goal Sinclair may never score again.
It was a struggle for the Chicago offense in the first half as they only managed to get off one shot in the first 45 but they nearly scored in the 31st minute. A corner from Vanessa DiBernado was headed down in front of goal and sparked Amanda DaCosta to try a bicycle kick from a few yards out. The kick was blocked by goalie Adrianna French and then the rebound was shot across goal and blocked and shot right back to French who gathered it.
Portland nearly made it 2-0 when Heath broke down a double team and send in a cross that was headed just over the bar by Dagny Brynjarsdottir. Chicago couldn't seem to deal with Heath, whose five assists lead the NWSL. She nearly added to her total in the 38th minute when she played a through ball that saw the ball end up in the back of the net. The joy of the second goal for Portland was dashed quickly by the assistant referee raising his flag for offside.
Press pegs Portland back
Chicago started the second half with a more attacking mindset and controlled the ball early on. The Red Stars brought on winger Alyssa Mautz in exchange for Jen Hoy, moving Sofia Huerta up next to Press. Chicago took a more of a long ball approach to begin the second half, putting pressure on Portland centre-backs Emily Sonnett and Katherine Reynolds. Press almost caught them out multiple times including one in the 52nd minute but was controversially ruled offside. But she eventually broke down the Thorns defense.
“You give a team like Chicago a second chance and they will punish you” said Portland captain Christine Sinclair when asked about Chicago's equalizer
Mautz found herself on the end of a great switch of play by Casey Short and played it back to Press on the bounce. Her volleyed effort was tipped onto the bar by French and it pinged straight up. To the horror of Portland, the ball came straight down and bounced over the goal line despite French's best efforts. It was a great goal as Press grabbed her 4th goal of the NWSL season.
The second half a complete switch in momentum as Chicago controlled the ball with Portland trying to strike on the counterattack. It was a defensive struggle with the Red Stars pushing for that second goal. But neither team was able to generate any solid chances on net.
In the end, both teams extended their unbeaten streaks as they drew 1-1 at Toyota Park.
“I’m pleased with the players for their response in the second half,” said Red Stars head coach Rory Dames