A lack of finishing once against cost the New York Fury as they fell to the Chicago Red Stars 2-1 in Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Elite League action on Friday night, June 8, at Concordia University.
Goals by Alyssa Mautz and Michele Weissenhofer gave the Red Stars a 2-0 lead, and the Fury were never able to recover. Chicago remains the only unbeaten team in the WPSL Elite at 4-0, while the Fury fall to 3-2-1. The Red Stars now take over second place in the WPSL Elite, just three points behind league leading Boston Breakers.
Weissenhofer set up the first goal, with a cross that glanced off the head of Lauren Fowlkes. Mautz was there for the tap-in in the 26th minute. Weissenhofer got a goal of her own in the 68th minute, taking possession of a Fury goal kick and going straight to goal.
“Not a great performance,” said Fury head coach Paul Riley. “Chicago created more chances. In the first 20 minutes, we created two top-notched chances, but couldn’t finish.”
The Fury got on the board in the 85th minute, on a goal by second-half sub Claire Zimmeck. Kim Yokers, who had a two-goal game against Philadelphia last week, sent a cross into the area that Chicago goalkeeper Jamie Forbes dropped, and Zimmeck finished off. It was the first goal the Red Stars have allowed all season.
“Zimmeck is good around the net,” Riley said of the former William & Mary forward.
The Fury have a quick turnaround, staying in the Midwest to face FC Indiana on Sunday at the Invaders Soccer Complex in South Bend, Ind.
“All the focus goes to Sunday,” said Riley. “Hopefully we can come back from this trip with some points.”
Chicago will also play again on Sunday when ASA Chesapeake Charge come in for the first meeting between the two teams.
