Red Stars Drop Opener Late to San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA–A virtually new look Chicago Red Stars stood toe-to-toe with San Diego Wave (which included three ex-Red Stars), but a late penalty kick in the 89th minute gave the Wave a 3-2 win before 30,854 fans at Snapdragon Stadium.

It was the visitors who went out in front in the 17th minute when on a corner, the Wave failed to clear lines and Yuki Nagasato pounced on a loose ball to give the Red Stars the lead. The lead lasted just four minutes though. Alyssa Naeher misplayed a long shot from Cristen Westphal and Amirah Ali was there to head in from close range to level the score.

San Diego went 2-1 up in the 32nd minute as 18-year old Jaedyn Shaw scored from 20 yards out after the Red Stars could only clear a corner as far as her. Just before halftime, the Red Stars would be awarded a penalty as Danielle Colaprico knocked down Arin Wright in the area. Mallory Swanson converted the spot kick to net her first of the season for the Red Stars.

It looked like it would be a point apiece in the end, but in the 89th minute, Wright would concede a penalty for handling Alex Morgan’s shot. Morgan converted the spot kick to give the Wave the lead and the win.

There were reasons for optimism for the Red Stars as they did not look outclassed in the slightest. They had returning players in Tierna Davidson (torn ACL), Arin Wright (torn ACL), and Casey Krueger (pregnancy). However, Krueger would leave after the 12th minute with a concussion after colliding head on with Kristen McNabb.

The Red Stars will have their home opener on Saturday, April 1st, at 1pm CT against Houston Dash. The match will be streamed on Paramount+.