0
0
Coming back from a west coast trip to LA, the Stars come straight to Soldier Field for a special double-header of soccer with the Chicago Fire. The opponent for the Stars are the Seattle Reign. A fun, afternoon lakefront matchup, with a good crowd showing.
Feeling out start for both teams. No attack for either team, both playing safe possession ball in midfield. Ludmila had other things in mind, in the 10th she zig-zags around multiple Reign defenders and blasts one past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 Stars leads. Fantastic work from Ludmila.
Just as you took a breath, there goes Ludimila again on a breakaway. The Reign defender does slow her down deep in the box, but Ludmila stops composes herself and sends another blast to the far corner goal post and it’s 2-0. All this in a span of less than two minutes! Phenomenal runs and finishes by Ludmila.
From that point after the Stars stayed on the defensive and Seattle controlled the ball. When you’re chasing a game this early, the defense can just set up and anticipate what’s coming their way. Seattle has to get a goal before halftime to keep themselves in the game, and avoid a Stars counter-attack in the meantime.
The aggressiveness from the Reign paid off. A penalty was called against the Stars. A slight push that by Taylor Malham, that looked a lot more like a dive than interference. VAR agrees. No penalty after the check. It was the right call.
After the PK was called-off, the Stars started to turn-up the heat offensively. The penalty might have been a wake-up call. Hard to sit-back for 60 minutes plus, even with a two goal lead. They go into the half maintaining a 2-0 lead.
Whether it’s playing ahead or tactics, or both, the Stars playing organized on defense. Reign with a first dangerous chance of the game where a shot gets tipped by Halle Mackiewicz and hits the top of the post. Good reaction save, close call.
Seattle kept pushing in the second half, but the Stars defense held up for the most part, until a weak clearance in their own box, resulted in a ball given away to Lynn Biyendolo who hits it swiftly and gets it in the net. Reign gets one back, 2-1. Moments later, a bugger, Seattle equalizes on a cross shot that ended up at the back of the net from Jordyn Bugg.
Shocking twist of events. Reminiscent to the goal scoring run Ludmila had in the first half. Back-to-back Reign goals in a span of two minutes. This late in the game, right before stoppage time, is inexcusable. Lack of focus and execution, sloppy play. The Stars just keep finding ways giving away games this season. This is just the next one in line.
More threat from the Reign, but Mackiewicz was there to reel in the shots. Seattle pushing for the win. The second half was a let down in terms of aggression for the Stars. Late game meltdown doomed them ultimately.
Disappointing draw, in a game the Stars had control of a good majority. There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel though, the last two performances have been an improvement from where this team has been most of the season. They are showing signs of life. One more and then a break from NWSL action in July.
MATCH NOTES:
- Ludmila scored her second brace of 2025, with two goals scored two minutes and 16 seconds apart
- Ludmila’s 11th minute goal recorded just 0.08 expected goals (xG), while her 13th minute goal came in at just 0.55 xG
- Both Maitane and Sam Staab recorded their second assists of the season this afternoon
- Natalia Kuikka returned to the Starting XI for the Stars for the first time this season
- Chicago forced Seattle to give up two goals in the first 13 minutes of the match. Before the match, the Reign had given up just two goals in the first 15 minutes across 11 matches
- Taylor Malham recorded a season-high 12 recoveries and had more touches on the ball (64) than any other Chicago Star
- Sam Staab blocked a season-high three shots and matched her season-high clearances (9)
Next Match:
Portland Thorns FC vs. Chicago Stars FC, June 21, 2025, at 9 p.m. CT at Providence Park
