Chicago Red Stars Vs OL Reign: 3 things we learned – Penalties the difference
2. The Red Stars’ shooting problem
Another game, another lack of intent from the Chicago Red Stars strikers. Over the course of the NWSL Challenge Cup, the Red Stars have taken 30 shots. Only ten of those were on target. This puts them with the third-least shots taken and the least shots on goal.
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The Chicago strikers must do more. Kealia Watt has nine shots, two of which were on goal. She leads the team. Just below her is Casey Short, a defender. In fact, the most shot-hungry players are primarily midfielders. Rachel Hill, in contrast, who has played for 353 minutes, did not record a single shot.
For whatever reason, not only are the Chicago Red Stars failing to convert their chances when they do come; they are not shooting frequently enough to challenge opposing defenses. On this occasion, there was a wonderful chance for Kealia Watt in the 67th minute, when she received the ball on the edge of the penalty, dribbled into space, took an extra touch to avoid a defender, and then lost balance as she shot. She did everything but score, almost waiting too long for the perfect shooting opportunity.
The Chicago Red Stars need to start shooting more frequently and more opportunities. Otherwise, they will go back to another standoff as they’ve done throughout the tournament.