Chicago Red Stars roll past the Courage 1-0

The Red Stars shutout North Carolina 1-0 on Saturday to secure the club a critical home win.

Chicago put the Courage under pressure early, with Mallory Pugh and Kealia Watt stretching North Carolina’s back line. Pugh looked to be in top form, charging at the Courage’s defense and creating chances in the final third.

Knocking on the door for much of the first half, Chicago scored the game’s lone goal in the 29^th minute off a Red Stars’ corner. Rachel Hill got on the end of a redirected cross from Tierna Davidson, punching the ball past Casey Murphy to put Chicago up 1-0.

K̶i̶n̶g̶ 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 of the Hill 💥#CHIvNC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/4h0QN5a1Y2

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 5, 2021

The Red Stars continued to shut down North Carolina’s midfield throughout the second half, quieting the typically explosive Courage. Even with the second-half substations of Kristen Hamilton and Hailie Mace, North Carolina was never able to find its groove against Chicago.

Both teams will have some time off before the Red Stars host the Spirit on June 19 and the Courage host OL Reign on the same day.