Chicago hosted WNYF for the first time, and although it looked like the match would be the end of Western New York’s unbeaten record, they rallied at the death to claim a 2-2 draw. Brittany Taylor was the heroine, with a goal in the 88th minute.
Chicago Red Stars vs Western New York Flash: Final score 2-2, Flash grab late equalizer
Two minutes before the final whistle was blown, WNYF’s Brittany Taylor scored a goal to stand in the way of Chicago securing a victory at home.
The Flash ended up in trouble very early on and conceded what was undoubtedly the quickest goal in NWSL history. Chicago sprung into action immediately, with Inka Grings smacking the crossbar with a chip and Alyssa Mautz turning the rebound past AD Franch. With 41 seconds gone, the Red Stars were up 1-0.
WNYF struggled to reply immediately, but they soon found their feet. In the ninth minute, the visitors began to get more touches on the ball, allowing them to threaten the 1-0 lead. Adriana fired just wide from range, a shot which was followed by her 13th-minute equalizer.
Vicki DiMartino was pressing the Chicago defense for three solid minutes trying to link up with Adriana in the box, eventually sweeping in a pinpoint cross. Adriana met the delivery with a solid header into the back of the net, wiping out the hosts’ early lead.
Chicago regained possession and took advantage of Franch’s poor judgement in the 16th minute when she stepped off her line. Ella Masar chipped the ball over Franch’s head but Estelle Johnson was on route to clear the ball off the line, keeping the score at 1-1.
DiMartino continued to find pockets in the box but the Chicago defense was solid and cleared out the danger. Thanks to the defense, Chicago was able to regain control of the game and found the lead for a second time from a corner kick in the 40th minute. Leslie Osborne was on the end of the Lori Chalupny delivery and directed her header into the back of the net. Chicago closed out the first half with a 2-1 lead.
Chicago out shot WNYF 7-2 in the second half, dictating much of the action and generating better opportunities on goal but could not extend their lead. The Flash’s struggle to gain possession and create attacks was frustrating the midfield. McCall Zerboni received a caution in the 71st minute for taking down Chalupny mid-run.
Chicago held the lead and defended well but could not prevent the Flash’s equalizer. Brittany Taylor tied up the game in the 88th minute before Chicago could celebrate. The late equalizer was set up by Alex Sahlen deep from the midfield to find Taylor inside the box who finished the cross with a flick into the back of the net.
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