In a league as fluid as the NWSL, two bad weeks can set you back some distance in the table. The Chicago Red Stars can attest to that. In the past two weeks, the Red Stars have dropped back to back games for the first time all season. After losing only once this season, the Red Stars have dropped two games in a row and need a solution fast otherwise, they will continue to drop in the standings. Chicago lost 2-0 to both the Portland Thorns and the Western New York Flash in the past two games.
Chicago looking to stop the slide while searching for answers
Chicago now sits 4th in the table with 18 points. They are eight points behind leaders Portland but have a game in hand of the table leaders. But it won't matter if Chicago can't turn the extra game into three points.
The Red Stars are missing their USWNT representatives in Christen Press, Julie Johnston, and Alyssa Naeher. Those three are Chicago's big guns and they handle a lot of the stuff on the pitch. Without them, Chicago is filled with a lot of youth and the youngsters had to step up or they would struggle. Judging by the past two results, the youngsters haven't stepped up but there is still time to right the ship.
Failing to score in the past two games, the Red Stars have to look at their offense first to start goals. Sofia Huerta scored a brace against the Boston Breakers in the Red Stars last win but hasn't scored since. She hit the post against Portland but hasn't created any chances since then. Along with her, Jen Hoy has to step up as well. With Chicago playing mainly two strikers up top, it is crucial that they have chemistry on the pitch.
Washington is on a roll
The Washington Spirit are on a roll. They have gone four games without a loss and are suddenly in 3rd place of the NWSL table. The Spirit most recently beat defending NWSL Champs FC Kansas City 2-0. It took two goals in the last 15 minutes of the game, but in the end, Washington took all three points from the fixture. They also have two games in hand compared to Portland so they can make up some real ground with two wins.
Even without star striker Crystal Dunn, the Spirit are still rolling. Washington has scored six goals in their past three games and could add to that total against a Chicago team without their starting center back and goalkeeper. With their knack for scoring goals in the second half, the offensive pressure could be the deciding factor in this game.
It will be a big game for both teams as it will affect the standings with any result.