PC: Chicago Stars FC
The stars did not align for Chicago as the team suffered a 3-0 loss against the Denver Summit on October 4th at Martin Stadium.
With the season winding down, the Stars continue to search for a much-needed spark. The loss marked the team's third straight loss during a six-game winless streak. Chicago head into their next match against Seattle next week, hoping to turn things around and close out the season on a positive note.
After falling 6-1 to Denver earlier this season, Chicago hoped to start the game off fast and control the midfield after Denver took advantage of the Stars' exposed defense in their first match-up.
Despite the adjustments, exposed holes remained in the Stars’ midfield, allowing Denver to take advantage in the first half.
After only eight minutes of play, Summit left-back Janine Sonis exploited a breakdown in Chicago's penalty area, using the flank to shoot a cross turned shot from far outside the box to score the game's first points.
The Stars did not let this riddle them, taking charge of Denver’s side of the field. Despite the effort in contested pockets of space, there were no clear shots for the Stars to capitalize on, leading to a series of takeaways by Denver.
In the 25th minute, a breakaway point for the Summit occurred as they managed to break through the contested barriers in Chicago's box to score the second goal of the game. A collision between Denver central midfeilder Lindsey Heap and Stars goalkeeper Katie Atkinson occurred in the sliding goal by Heap leading to the both slow to get up.
A combination of miscommunication and lack of aggression was the downfall for the Stars, struggling the entirety of the first half with only one shot on goal and 33 percent of possession during the. The season-long struggles resulted in Denver heading into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
“We needed to be more aggressive; we needed to press their center backs a little bit more, whether it was working or not. Atkinson said.
“As you can see in the second half, we put more pressure on them, won the ball up higher, and kind of didn't sit back as we do at times, and allowed us to get more shots on goal.”
As the second half opened up, the Stars began to put pressure on the Denver center midfielders between the 58th to the 61st minute mark, allowing multiple shots from Micayla Johnson and Devin Lynch on goal.
The Summit made it difficult for the Stars to sneak in a desperate chance at goal, concluding the match unable to break through Denver's defensive unit after a series of blocks and pop-up saves.
Mistakes began to pile up as an offside violation on Simone Charley gave Denver possession, setting up a scoring opportunity for Heap in the 75th minute, extending Denver’s lead to three goals.
Chicago would not go quietly, however, as two shots by Nadia Gomes kept Denver on notice and brought pressure in the box, but the attempts went wide left and were deflected.
Chicago fell 3-0, with Denver leaving with three points on the road.
Despite 4614 fans bringing loud, thrilling energy to the game until the very end, the Stars struggled to apply that energy onto the pitch.
The Stars concluded the match with ten total shots, four on target, and 38 percent of possession
“It's a rough moment for them and everyone here,” Stars head coach Karina Beaz said.
“More leaders, more communication, we have been talking a lot, what's a moment you can press, this is the moment they are taking care of their responsibility, and they have our full support. They have a lot of tools, and that can be very motivating for them. They have international calls to look at.”
Despite the loss, the Stars beautifully celebrated Latino Heritage Month with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner, sung in Spanish by Mexican-American and Chicago native Rosalba Valdez.
A variety of pre-match festivities featured celebratory performances of "Nuestra Ciudad" ("Our City") by Angelina Victoria, a Chicago native.
This was all captivated by a stunning halftime performance by Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, instilling a sense of Mexican tradition and showcasing folk dances with balletic characteristics.
The Stars now sit with a 5-2-20 record this season, placing them 16th in the NWSL standings. Chicago will face Seattle Reign FC on October 16 in Martin Stadium, Evanston, Illinois, at 6 p.m. CST
