Chicago Red Stars Vs Portland Thorns: 3 things we learned

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HERRIMAN, UT – JULY 01: A general view of a during a game between Portland Thorns FC and Chicago Red Stars in the first round of the NWSL Challenge Cup at Zions Bank Stadium on July 1, 2020 in Herriman, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. Playing on turf a major issue

A final issue that needs to be mentioned is the fact that they’re continuing to play on turf. Around the middle of the second half, Lindsey Horan went to ground for a tackle and came up with a massive burn on her leg.

After the game, when asked if it was her playing style or the turf itself that gave her the injury, she simply said: “that’s what we get for playing on turf.” This is an issue that has spread throughout the recent history of women’s soccer, but has yet to be solved.

Some teams continue to play on turf at their home pitch like the Portland Thorns themselves back at Providence Park. Others are on real grass and dirt fields like the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium. There is evidence linking an increased risk of injuries to playing on turf. We have already seen Ally Watt go down with an ACL injury this year.

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Women’s soccer needs investment throughout its infrastructure, both in the NWSL and beyond. Playing on turf is just one of the many logistical problems that undermine the quality of the players and the competitiveness of the matches.

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