The Chicago Red Stars defeated the Washington Spirit 3-2 on Wednesday night at City
On a hot, sunny July evening, thousands flocked to City Stadium to watch the first NWSL contest in Richmond since 2018 – a preseason exhibition between Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage.
This time, the City Stadium faithful were treated to a match with higher stakes: a matchup between the Spirit and Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup.
Supporters of both teams were joined by many wearing their favorite Ivy and Kickers gear as the match proved to be a celebration of both first-division and lower league soccer.
A mostly defensive affair in the first half saw both teams challenge the opposing goalkeeper with the Spirit earning the better of the chances as Makenna Morris and Ouleye Sarr pressured the Red Stars’ backline.
However, it was “the visitors” from Chicago who were the first on the board.
A scrappy sprint by midfielder Jenna Bike to a deflected shot in the final minute of first-half stoppage time ended with the ball finding the back of the net. It marked the first-ever goal in the cup competition for Red Stars who were playing for pride after being mathematically eliminated in their group.
The Spirit found their equalizer nine minutes into the second half after Sarr was brought down in the penalty area during a corner kick. United States international Andi Sullivan stepped up to take the ensuing penalty kick and buried a low-driven attempt into the bottom left corner of the net.
Red Stars answered not four minutes later as Jameese Joseph split the Spirit backline with a timed run as Shea Groom unlocked the forward with a through ball. One-on-one with Spirit keeper Nicole Barnahrt, Joseph went for the near post and beat the keeper with a shot on target.
The Spirit equalized again in the 83rd minute from Lena Silano’s putback shot.
Heather Stainbrook unlocked Courtney Brown up the right wing with a pacey through ball. Brown carried the ball into the penalty area before cutting back toward the six-yard box. The pass deflected off Sarr but fell to the feet of Silano who took a touch before placing a low-driven shot to the right of the Chicago keeper Mackenzie Wood.
The Red Stars answered in the final minute of regulation with their third go-ahead goal. After the visitors forced a turnover outside of the Spirit’s penalty area, Sarah Griffith gathered the ball, took a dribble, and laced a shot from outside of the box that beat Barnhart to the net.
Ultimately, the final strike from the Red Stars would be the deciding goal and Chicago left with their first goals and first win of the Summer Cup tournament. The match was a sight to see, especially for fans of both teams that live and love the beautiful game in Richmond.
