May 6, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Red Stars News Release
SAN JOSE, CA – In their first meeting of the season, the Chicago Red Stars took down expansion side Bay FC, 1-2, behind goals from Penelope Hocking and Ally Schlegel. The Red Stars will see Bay FC one more time this season, June 8, at Wrigley Field for the first NWSL match at the Friendly Confines.
KEY MOMENTS:
7′ Chicago’s Alyssa Naeher, trying to clear the ball from Chicago’s 18-yard box, kicks the ball at a Bay FC forward, the ball hits the forward and is redirected into Chicago’s goal to give Bay FC the lead, 1-0 Bay FC
10′ Chicago’s Ally Schlegel wins a header and with a flick sends the ball to forward, Penelope Hocking, who in turn holds play before sending a through ball to Mallory Swanson who takes a left footed shot that’s saved by the keeper
30′ Sam Staab sends a long ball from Chicago territory behind Bay FC’s back line that finds Penelope Hocking on a run, the forward takes two touches and a shot that evens the score, 1-1
63′ Jameese Joseph takes a shot that is blocked by the body of a Bay FC defender, but like last match, Ally Schlegel claims the rebound and takes a shot that roles past the keeper and gives Chicago the lead, 1-2 Chicago
70′ Taylor Malham runs from her defensive position to steal the ball from Bay FC. She then finds Mallory Swanson on the left side of Bay’s 18-yard box. Swanson sends a low cross in that finds Penelope Hocking, but Hocking’s shot goes wide of the goal, 1-2 Chicago
79′ Swanson sends a through ball to Hocking, she dribbles past a Bay FC defender, cuts back and is fouled in the box for a penalty. Mallory Swanson steps up to take the attempt, but is denied by Bay’s keeper.
GAME NOTES:
Tonight marks Leilanni Nesbeth’s first professional start. The rookie was drafted by the Red Stars in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft.
Penelope Hocking’s goal in the 30th minute was the forward’s first since July 2023.
Ally Schlegel’s goal tonight is the first time the forward has scored in consecutive matches in her professional career.
Schlegel now has four goals on the season. More than any other Red Star.
Chicago Red Stars have won four points from losing positions in the National Womens Soccer League this season, only Kansas City Current (6) and Washington Spirit (6) have recovered more.
This is Chicago’s first come-from-behind win this season.
Next Game
Chicago Red Stars vs. Utah Royals May 12, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Goals by Half
1 2…