Red Stars move to second place with draw against Sky Blue FC

Chicago Red Stars move to second place with draw against Sky Blue FC

Instead, in the 78th minute, Savannah McCaskill scored her first professional goal. Her shot, assisted by Katie Johnson, was deflected by Red Stars midfielder Taylor Comeau.

Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was inches away from the save.

After the match, Sky Blue FC Head Coach Denise Reddy said that Sky Blue showed “more of who we are” in the second half.

“We were on the front foot more, and we were able to put better pressure on the ball,” Reddy said. “Coming from behind a goal on the road and finding a way to get a point is definitely a positive takeaway that we will build upon as we head into training next week.”

Both teams split the points, taking one home each. With the point addition, the Red Stars moved past the Portland Thorns FC to second place.

The North Carolina Courage still lead the NWSL with 12 points. However, the Red Stars are trailing closely behind with eight points.

78' Here is another look at @smccaskill_21's first professional goal that leveled us up at 1-1. #CHIvNJ

Tune in via @go90Sports! pic.twitter.com/104aaS0vb3

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) April 22, 2018

Three Takeaways

Both teams are disciplined: It’s hard to catch a match in any professional soccer league where at least one yellow card isn’t dished out. In this match, neither side was delivered a cautionary or red card by referee Reyna Fonseca. That goes back on coaches Reddy and Rory Dames.

Carli Lloyd still can’t find a rhythm: Last season was one of Carli Lloyd’s worst seasons in professional soccer. However, this year isn’t any better. Back in her hometown, Lloyd still hasn’t found the back of the net for Sky Blue. In three starts, Lloyd has only taken five shots.

Chicago can only get better: If this is how well the Chicago Red Stars are doing right now, just wait until Julie Ertz, Casey Short, Rosie White, Stephanie McCaffrey and Vanessa DiBernardo. Dames will have a heck of a selection to go with when his squad is fully healthy.