Chicago Red Stars Vs North Carolina Courage: Week 5 Preview
Coming off of their first loss of the season, the Chicago Red Stars come back home for a rematch of the season opener against the North Carolina Courage.
Most people consider the idea of “form” in sports to be the measure of five games. The Chicago Red Stars now come into this game at 1-2-1, putting them in the region of average. Still reeling from a controversial loss in Utah, the Red Stars need to find their footing fast as the World Cup approaches, hosting the North Carolina Courage on Sunday.
The game against the Utah Royals did not leave the Chicago Red Stars with any new injuries, but it did result in a suspension for Katie Johnson after a controversial straight red was shown at the end of the first half. This means that she will be suspended for the game against the Courage.
It’s a very good thing, then, that Australia has yet to call Sam Kerr into their World Cup camp or else the Red Stars would not have any true central striker available for this game. On the note of World Cup-based absentees, Julie Ertz, Morgan Brian, and Alyssa Naeher will be out for the duration of the World Cup and all already missed the last game because the USWNT wanted to call their banners earlier than everyone else.
Since the Red Stars last saw them, the North Carolina Courage have continued their reign over the rest of the NWSL with a booming 5-0 win over the Orlando Pride and a 4-1 win over the Houston Dash. The Courage could only draw against Sky Blue FC with some players called up to the USWNT squad, but they are still the best team in the league.
Even with players like Crystal Dunn and Abby Dahlkemper gone, North Carolina can call upon players like McCall Zerboni, Lynn Williams and Debinha. After getting snubbed by USWNT coach Jill Ellis, Zerboni has something to prove this season in the NWSL. A similar playmaker to Danielle Colaprico, Zerboni is someone who will mostly sit back with the defense, but has the vision to pick out great passes to her teammates.
In terms of the Chicago Red Stars’ attack, it seems like Kerr is struggling just a bit. The past two games, she’s been frustrated by great goalkeeping and strong defenses. While the rest of the Red Stars attack is still firing on all cylinders, Kerr just can’t quite get the ball in the exact position that she wants it. This frustration was doubled in the last game when she was angered by a missed call in the box and immediately responded with a rough foul, earning a booking.
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The good thing is that other players are stepping up during Kerr’s struggles. While Katie Johnson will not be available on Sunday, Yuki Nagasato has been having an MVP-worthy season already and the presumed replacement for Johnson, Michele Vasconcelos, already has a goal on the season and has shown massive improvement this year. The Red Stars depth is excellent, and their vast array of attacking talents is a key part of that.
Projected XI:
Chicago Red Stars (4-2-3-1): Emily Boyd; Arin Wright, Sarah Gorden, Katie Naughton, Casey Short; Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo; Alyssa Mautz, Yuki Nagasato, Michele Vasconcelos; Sam Kerr
North Carolina Courage (4-4-2): Stephanie Labbe; Merritt Mathias, Abby Erceg, Kaleigh Kurtz, Jaelene Hinkle; Denise O’Sullivan, McCall Zerboni, Kristen Hamilton, Debinha; Julia Spetsmark, Lynn Williams
Utah Royals Vs Chicago Red Stars: 3 things we learned. dark. Next
How To Watch:
Sunday, May 12th, 5:00 PM CDT; At SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL, on NBC Sportsnet Chicago, and online with the Yahoo Sports App