STARS ALIGN FOR CHICAGO

Monday, August 18th, Lumen Field was preparing for its first “Queen’s Match”- honoring the team that started it all for the US in women’s soccer. The 1985 women’s team. 40 years ago- the United States Women’s National Team set foot on the pitch for the first time laying the foundation for what we know women’s soccer to look like.

Seattle was coming off a loss at Portland trying to redeem themselves while the Stars managed to keep a point against Bay FC in the past weekend of league play. The night marked Alyssa Naeher’s 200 start in the NWSL. 

The Reign’s night began with a goal from Jess Fishlock in the 3rd minute coming from an assist from Canadian forward- Jordyn Huitema. Coming off of Wales debut in the Euros Fishlock has scored in the past three games. As the half continued things were looking good for the Reign with Huitema scoring the second goal of the game with a bicycle kick ramping up the dramatics. 

Though the Reign were clearly dominating the game there were moments where it felt like a moment of communication was missed leading to the Stars getting some chances in the attacking third. This feeling of step behind was a potential warning for what the second half would bring.

The first 47th minutes of the game were looking rough for the Stars with three injury substitutions and a goal coming off of the second half kick off from Seattle’s young star Emeri Adames. 

The final 20 minutes the game began shifting with two goals happening within 5 minutes for the Stars. First a ball by Ally Schlegel leading to a goal by Brazilian forward Ludmila in the 73’ and then a beautiful cross from Taylor Malham leading to a goal from Cameron Biegalski- one the three Stars subbed on because of injuries in the starting 11- in the 78’. 

The final minutes of the stoppage time were a nail biter with Chicago having a set piece and everyone in the box- yes including goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. A ball rattling around the box and Claudia Dickey not being able to fully grab it led to Naeher’s first goal in the NWSL. The 10 year veteran in the NWSL and former USWNT goalkeeper was finding new ways to add to her already impressive resume.

While the score of the night clearly wasn’t what the Reign were hoping for, it was an amazing display of NWSL “After Dark” and seeing Chicago able to pull themselves together in the second half after an injury filled first half was impressive.

The Reign are back at home on Friday August 29th against the San Diego Wave. 

As always- watch women’s sports