Chicago Red Stars Vs Washington Spirit: 3 things we learned

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HERRIMAN, UT – JUNE 27: Rose Lavelle #10 of Washington Spirit and Ashley Hatch #33 celebrate during a game between Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars at Zions Bank Stadium on June 27, 2020 in Herriman, Utah. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Red Stars fell to the Washington Spirit in their first game of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Here are three things we learned from the 2-1 defeat.

Late on Saturday night, the Chicago Red Stars faced off against the Washington Spirit for their first game of the NWSL Challenge Cup. They started the game on the front foot but conceded the first goal of the match when Rose Lavelle turned Ashley Hatch’s blocked shot home.

The second half got off to an even worse start. Right from the kickoff, the ball was played all the way back to goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Naeher didn’t notice, or simply just wasn’t quick enough to avoid a pressing Hatch. Hatch took the ball right off her foot and converted an easy chance, putting Washington up 2-0. Five minutes later, the Red Stars were given hope when Morgan Gautrat buried a finish into the bottom corner from. Ultimately, though, it was too little too late.

Here’s what we learned from the Red Stars’ first game in nine months.

HERRIMAN, UT – JUNE 27: Kealia Watt #2 of Chicago Red Stars plays for the ball against Jenna Hellstrom #22 of Washington Spirit during a game between Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars at Zions Bank Stadium on June 27, 2020 in Herriman, Utah. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

3. Watt, St. Georges impress on debut

After the offseason, every team has new players. It was no different for the Chicago Red Stars. It was expected to see new acquisitions Rachel Hill and Kealia Watt start further up the pitch, but less expected was changed backline. First-team regulars Casey Short and Sarah Gorden took over the left side of the defense but on the right, Rory Dames sent out center-back Zoe Morse and full-back Bianca St. Georges.

In this game, much of the veterans struggled to find a rhythm. Watt seemed to dominate the Chicago attack out on the wings. While she didn’t find the back of the net, she was incredibly impressive at taking on the Washington full-backs and blowing past them. Expect more from her in the next few games.

Later in the game, St. Georges began to impress. While her defensive work was quiet, she started to push forward and proved a dangerous outlet. She almost found an equalizer in the 89th minute. With Arin Wright still out, it may be St. Georges claims the right-back spot moving forward.

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