When it was announced that a lot of the NWSL’s top stars would be leaving the league for a month or so to compete in the Olympics, it was a given many of the teams would struggle. But the Chicago Red Stars were not one of them. Why? Because last year when the best players were away competing in the Women’s World Cup, they performed brilliantly. They were without their top players and the rest of the team stepped up. That run helped Chicago make the NWSL playoffs and reach the semifinals, marking their best finish in team history.
The Red Stars are sliding and it's not good
But that hasn’t been the case this season. Chicago is on a three-game losing streak and is dropping quickly in the NWSL standings. Chicago now sits 4th, the last playoff spot, with 18 points. They are five points behind 3rd place Washington Spirit who have a game in hand of Chicago. They are also tied with the Orlando Pride on points and a loss today could send them out of the playoff picture.
A lot of problems could be identified. The first thing is clear. Chicago is missing their stars right now and it is showing on the pitch. Both sides of the ball need fixing. Starting with the defense. With Alyssa Naeher and starting centre-back Julie Johnston both absent, Chicago has given up two goals in each of the past three games. After recording back to back shutouts at the beginning of the season, Chicago is showing its inexperience at the back. Without their leader in Naeher and best player in Johnston, opposing teams are taking advantage of the dysfunction and are striking Chicago quickly and swiftly. The offense needs to pick up the pace as well. They underwent a great run of form offensively but ever since their home win against the Boston Breakers, they have looked out of it. The Red Stars need a spark and they need it fast.
Orlando looking to jump Chicago in the standings
The Pride could say they are in the same boat but they are in a little better position than their counterparts. In their past four games, Orlando has played through two wins and two losses.
Orlando will be looking for revenge in this game. The last time these two teams met, it was in Chicago and it was a 1-0 win for the Red Stars. The Pride was held on the offensive end and Christen Press scored the game-winning goal for the Red Stars. With a win today, the Pride can also jump the Red Stars in the standings, adding more motivation for this game.
But like Chicago, they will be short-handed. Orlando will be missing star striker Alex Morgan and her loss will show on the field. There is no other way around it. Given the type of player that Alex is, she will make an impact for any team she plays for, Orlando included.