Chicago Red Stars Vs North Carolina Courage: 3 things we learned
On Sunday, the Chicago Red Stars lost 1-0 to the North Carolina Courage despite being in control of the match. Here are three things we learned.
After the Chicago Red Stars were completely demolished in the NWSL Cup Final by the North Carolina Courage last year, there was much anticipation for the rematch this weekend. In the end, this NWSL Challenge Cup matchup was nothing like the blowout from October, but the result didn’t really change for the Red Stars, who once again failed to pick up a win in this tournament.
The Courage started in the ascendency. The midfield was aggressive, they pushed Chicago back, and looked to be easing into control of the match. However, as the game progressed, the Red Stars grew more comfortable. They handled the pressure the Courage exerted well and, by the second half, stepped into the driver’s seat.
They felt dangerous every time they pushed forward, dominated the midfield area to consistently control the match, and pushed hard for a breakthrough. Then, in the 81st minute, the Courage picked up a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area box. As the Red Stars defense watched on, Abby Erceg slammed a header home, crashing off the underside of the crossbar. And that was that.
Here are three things we learned.
3. North Carolina not unbeatable
The North Carolina Courage may have earned the three points in the end, but it was not a convincing performance. The team’s most prized strengths had little impact against the Red Stars ambivalence. Due to the fear that they strike in their opponents, the Courage often win matches before they have even started. But the Chicago Red Stars saw this another game against another team.
The Courage play with an intense pressing system in their midfield, something that’s visible in the 4-2-2-2 that crowds the midfield. They essentially have Sam Mewis and Denise O’Sullivan trap any attackers trying to get past between themselves and the recovering Debinha and Crystal Dunn.
The Red Stars, though, proved that you can play through this brilliant midfield set-up, if you play passes quick enough. The Courage’s quarter are superb, the best in the NWSL, but they are not immortal, and while the Red Stars ultimately lost, they proved the Courage are beatable.