The Boston Breakers were unable to earn consecutive wins as they lost 2-0 to the Chicago Red Stars just three days after their unexpected triumph over the Portland Thorns. Wednesday’s Red Stars victory was powered by goals from Alyssa Mautz and Melissa Tancredi, one in each half.
Both teams had their opportunities in the early going. In the 14th minute, Tancredi fired a shot that hit the bottom of the crossbar. Christen Press got to the rebound but her header was saved by Alyssa Naeher, who was recently named NWSL Player of the Week.
Lianne Sanderson had a chance of her own in the 25th minute when she deceived the Red Star defense to create space inside the box. The midfielder teed up a shot, but her close range effort was hit off frame.
The deadlock ended in the 30th minute after Naeher denied Press’s shot from 25 yards out. The ensuing corner kick was veering out of bounds but Julie Johnson got there just in time to head it back into the mixer. Mautz capitalize on the chance by heading it into the back of the net to give the home team a halftime lead.
Boston controlled the game during the early minutes of the second half as they pushed for an equalizer. Bianca D’Agostino almost become the game’s hero in the 63rd minute when she offered a 35 yard beauty. The defender would be denied by Karina LeBlanc.
The Breakers’ fighting spirit would take a hit in the 82nd minute when the Red Stars collected their second goal of the night. Jackie Santacaterina, who played a role in the first goal, was the instigator as she headed the ball towards Taryn Hemmings. Hemmings would find Tancredi, who easily beat Naeher to put the game out of reach.
The result means little to the Breakers since they are already out of playoff contention. The Red Stars, however, control their fate because a win against the Western New York Flash this Saturday will secure postseason play.
The Breakers will play their last game of the 2014 season on Sunday when they welcome the Houston Dash to Harvard Stadium.