Piscataway, NJ (July 19, 2009) – The Chicago Red Stars surrendered a goal in the final minute of play to lose 1-0 against Sky Blue FC on Sunday at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ. The loss deals a huge blow to the Red Stars’ chances to qualify for post-season play.

 

In an end to end affair in which both teams saw excellent opportunities to score go begging, it was Sky Blue FC that found the net first in the 91^th minute.

 

Second half substitute Kerri Hanks, who was traded from Saint Louis Athletica to Sky Blue FC on June 26, proved her worth to her new teammates only 16 minutes after checking into the game. Hanks collected a pass that skipped across the top of the penalty box and under the feet of a New Jersey teammate, pushed the ball back in the direction from which it came, and rifled a hard shot past Red Stars keeper Caroline Jonsson.

Due to international friendlies involving the United States and England, the Red Stars were playing without four key starters, including US Women’s National Team stars Carli Lloyd, Lindsay Tarpley, and Megan Rapinoe as well as English international Karen Carney. The Chicago offense sputtered without these core players.

“I don't think that the team was good enough today in the attack,” said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes, “and we weren't able to create a great deal of chances - Sky Blue FC deserves credit for that.

The Red Stars currently occupy sixth place with 17 points. The top four teams advance to the playoffs and the Red Stars would need to surpass two teams currently ahead of them, but Chicago has only three remaining games in which to do so.

The Red Stars return home to TOYOTA Park on Sunday, July 26th to face Abby Wambach and the Washington Freedom at 3 pm.  The Red Stars will be donning special green jerseys, which they will be auctioning off to help raise awareness of perils that face the planet. Chicago musical group Hello Dave will be performing a pre-game concert, beginning at 2 pm. For more information, log on to www.chicagoredstars.com or call 866 WPS 2009.

July 19, 2009 – Yurcak Field	1	2	-	F
Chicago Red Stars (4-8-5)	0	0	-	0
Sky Blue FC (6-6-4)	0	1	-	1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lineups:

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Katie Hooker, Jen Buczkowski, Keeley Dowling [Capt], Meghan Schnur; Julianne Sitch (Kerri Hanks 62’), Yael Averbuch (Francielle 62’), Rosana (Noelle Keselica 84’), Collette McCallum; Kacey White, Natasha Kai.

Chicago Red Stars – Caroline Jonsson; Marian Dalmy, Jill Oakes, Ifeoma Dieke, Lydia Vandebergh (Nikki Krzysik 89’); Danesha Adams (Natalie Spilger 78’), Frida Ostberg [Capt], Chioma Igwe (Heather Garriock 69’), Brittany Klein; Cristiane, Ella Masar.

Scoring Summary:
SBFC – Hanks (Dowling) 91st+ minute

Misconduct Summary:
CHI - Krzysik (caution) 90th minute

Game Summary:
Referee – Jose Carlos Rivero
Assistant Referees – Dario Urrutia, Ryan Dos Reis
4th Official – Brian Dunn
Attendance -  3,130
Weather – Party Cloudy, 80 degrees