After enduring a six game winless streak, the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Western New York Flash 2-0 in what was a comfortable win for Chicago.
The Red Stars looked relaxed and comfortable as they controlled the game from the start. Having clinched the playoffs the previous game, Chicago played without the burden of knowing if there result will knock them out of the top four.
Expect Chicago to come out firing as they look to continue to get their offense back on track after they failed to score more than two goals in their winless streak. Christen Press will be the main focal point of the Chicago offense and she has played great this season. She has scored nine goals this season and she has done so in only ten games. She scored in Chicago's last game and will look to break down the Houston Dash as well.
She will be partnered up with the likes of Jen Hoy, Melissa Tancredi, or rookie Sofia Huerta. Huerta and Hoy formed a great partnership while Press was with Team USA during the Women's World Cup. Even though their roles in the offense have decreased slightly, they have still contributed. Hoy scored against the Flash and Huerta has created numerous chances for herself and others this season. She has been one of the NWSL's top rookies and will look to make an impact during the playoffs.
Although they are eliminated from playoff contention, the Houston Dash are coming into Chicago on a high note after beating the Boston Breakers 1-0. Sitting in fifth place, the Dash cannot go any further up in the standings, but a win will have them on a high note at the end of the season and have some momentum going into next season.
The strength of the Dash is their midfield and look for them to try to gain a stronghold of the game as Chicago boasts a strong midfield as well. Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian highlight the Houston midfield as they look to continue their strong play into the season finale.
Jessica McDonald leads the Dash with seven goals on the season and she looks to add to that tally, but she will face a strong Chicago defense with the likes of Julie Johnston and goalie Karina LeBlanc, who is retiring at the end of the season, providing a wall behind the midfield.
A win would for sure secure Chicago the second seed in the playoffs, although a draw could have them the second seed pending on the Washington Spirit - Seattle Reign result. The second seed would seal home field advantage and it would be huge for Chicago to host a playoff game for the first time.