June 7, 2012
STREAK ON THE LINE
Unbeaten Red Stars face New York, Chesapeake

The Chicago Red Stars celebrate during Sunday's 1-0 win over the Boston Breakers. Photo courtesy of Chicago Red Stars

The Chicago Red Stars, the last remaining undefeated and yet-to-be scored on team in the WPSL Elite league, will meet two new opponents this weekend when they take on the New York Fury (3-1-1) Friday at 6pm at Concordia University in River Forest, and ASA Chesapeake Charge (1-2-0) Sunday at 3pm at North Central College in Naperville.

The Red Stars enter the weekend with a 3-0-0 record having secured a major win over the previously undefeated league-leaders Boston Breakers on Sunday, and previous double wins against FC Indiana. The Red Stars have held a shutout in all three matches, with Jamie Forbes minding the net for Chicago and the Red Stars backline having a strong showing so far this season.

Leading the way offensively for the Red Stars has been team captain, Lori Chalupny, who’s netted a goal and two assists. Forward Lauren Fowlkes has a pair of goals, including a PK in the first outing. Julianne Sitch and Michele Weissenhofer have also scored for the Red Stars in what’s proven to be a well-rounded team attack.

The Red Stars’ Friday opponent, NY Fury, are led by former WPS Philadelphia Independence Head Coach, Paul Riley, and feature a slew of former WPS players including Nikki Krzysik (former WPS Red Star), Estelle Johnson, Leigh Ann Robinson, and Allie Long. The Fury’s only loss this season has been to the Boston Breakers. They stand just one point clear of the Red Stars in the WPSL Elite standings, but the Red Stars also have an additional two games in hand to make up ground on them.

One player who may be very familiar with the Fury is Red Stars’ midfielder Jen Buczkowski, who played for Riley with the Independence the last two seasons.

“Friday’s match against the Fury will be an exciting one,” she remarked. “Having played for Paul the past two years and with a majority of their players, I know they will be a strong team and well prepared.”

After Friday’s match, the Red Stars turn around and meet the ASA Chesapeake Charge (Maryland) on Sunday. They feature a wealth of young talent, including many current college players. They’ve relied on their speed and athleticism to compete in the Elite league, but have just one win on the books, a 3-2 victory over Philadelphia Fever.

The Red Stars were pleased to have another familiar face back in camp this week, with the return of local fan-favorite Ella Masar. She had been competing in France with Paris Saint-Germain, and arrived back in Chicago on Tuesday night. She has already appeared at training and will be present at this weekend’s matches.

“It was definitely a surreal feeling being back at Oak Brook (Red Stars’ training grounds) last night,” she stated. “Not only to be in the Chicago Red Stars gear, but to see some familiar faces as well.”

“I’m just so thankful to be here and to be able to help the team. It’s great to finally be back training on my home soil.”