The Chicago Red Stars earned their first win of the NWSL Challenge Cup against the Utah Royals this week. Here are three things we learned.
The Chicago Red Stars have finally picked up their first three points in the NWSL Challenge Cup. Admittedly, the Utah Royals decided to rotate while the Red Stars played their strongest team. While the result matches the expectations on paper, the fact that this game was simply a 1-0 victory after a late goal doesn’t bode well for Chicago.
Little happened throughout the match, with sloppy play undermining both teams’ attacks. Then, in the 85th minute, Savannah McCaskill ripped a long cross to the far post where Casey Short found some air and headed home. That was the deciding goal as the Red Stars won 1-0.
Here are three things we learned.
3. How to fix the striker problem
The Chicago Red Stars strikers still cannot score. This is a fact that has stuck with this team throughout the tournament. Even on this occasion, Chicago’s goal came from Casey Short, a full-back. Her scoring only emphasises the point that Chicago needs more effective strikers.
But how do you solve this problem? Well, one issue is the nature of the opportunities. Half of the team’s shots on goal were taken by Short. Kealia Ohai, Savannah McCaskill, and Rachel Hill are all good facilitating attackers. Ohai and Hill chase down loose balls or carry play into the final third. McCaskill has the technical skills of a great passer. Each of them are a healthy part of a balanced attack, but without one of them taking the chances, that balance is severely missing.
Perhaps Chicago could use McCaskill as a false 9. This would allow Hill and Ohai to run ahead of her as the other two wide forwards, starting from wide positions and darting centrally and center-backs are dragged up the pitch by McCaskill’s movement. They also need to shoot more freely and test the goalkeeper more often. The Red Stars need a striker, and at present, they do not have one.