Chicago Red Stars book NWSL Challenge Cup final against Houston Dash

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:15 am
The Chicago Red Stars survived a late scare from Sky Blue FC to book a place in the NWSL Challenge Cup final.
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

The Chicago Red Stars edged past Sky Blue FC 3-2 in a thrilling last-four encounter of the NWSL Challenge Cup on Wednesday.

The Red Stars appeared to be cruising into the title clash having taken a commanding lead through first-half goals from Bianca St. Georges and Rachel Hill before Savannah McCaskill added a third on the hour mark.

But Sky Blue reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute and an own goal by Julie Ertz five minutes later meant the Red Stars had to endure a nervy finish.

Earlier, the Houston Dash beat the Portland Thorns 1-0. Houston's winner after corner in the 68th minute ricocheted off the crossbar and Rachel Daly pounced, diving to head the ball off the shoulder of Thorns keeper Britt Eckerstrom and into the net.

The Thorns, who upset tournament favorites the North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinals despite missing key players, were unable to break through Houston's stout defense on an overcast day at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy.

Daly dedicated the win to the people of Houston, a city that has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Everywhere in the world is struggling right now with this pandemic and the city of Houston has been through a really tough time," said the Briton Daly, who also plays for the England national team.

"For us, it was for them -- to give them something to look forward to," she said. "I just want to say thanks for all the support."

The pandemic forced the NWSL to pause its season in March before it returned with the Challenge Cup tournament last month.