Chicago Red Stars Fall 2-1 to WashingtonSpirit

The Chicago Red Stars in front of a crowd of over 10,000 fans at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville came up just short in the NWSL title match. It was the first time an NWSL Championship match was played on a major network (CBS). The league has gone through a lot of controversy this season, with a stoppage in play as the league investigated abusive coaching practices and players complaining of an unsafe at times, racially abusive working environment.

The Red Stars got off to a good start with a goal off a header by Rachel Hill during the fifth minute of stoppage time in the first half. Hill opened the scoring after a great crossing pass as she was able to sneak the ball in off the near post.

Washington tied the match at 66:30 on a penalty kick by Andie Sullivan, who had drawn a foul inside the 18m box. The teams battled throughout the second half with Washington having the momentum for much of the half. Chicago showed a lot of grit after losing multiple players due to injury. Mallory Pugh, the Red Stars best offensive threat went down with a leg injury just before the goal by Hill in the first half.

Washington grabbed the lead in the 96th minute on a goal by Kelley O’Hara during extra time after a pass from Trinity Rodman, daughter of former NBA player Dennis Rodman. O’Hara got past the defense and placed a perfect header that snuck by goalkeeper Cassie Miller.

Aubrey Bledsoe made some key saves for the Spirit during extra time to preserve the win for Washington. It is their first title in franchise history.