Stars conclude home slate with loss

Photo: Len Cederholm

Chicago Stars FC 1-3 Houston Dash

EVANSTON, IL–The only positives for the Chicago Stars are they scored another late goal and that there is just one more match this season. It is a fifth straight and 22nd loss overall for the Stars as they fell, 3-1, to Houston Dash, who are already eliminated from playoff contention themselves.

Houston needed just four minutes to get on the board. Lisa Boattin’s free kick was not cleared by the Stars and Leah Klenke put it in for her first NWSL goal. Much like last week, the Stars held things to 1-0 at halftime, but would give up two more goals in the second half.

Houston doubled their lead in the 54th minute as they caught the Stars off guard on an indirect free kick. Boattin fed Maggie Graham for the goal inside the area. A third was added in the 79th minute as Clarissa Larisey got on the end of a cross from Kiki Van Zanten.

Sam Staab added a consolation goal for the Stars in the 90th minute which assures the Stars will not tie the 2018 Washington Spirit for worst goals per game ever at 0.50. That said, it will be the worst for a 30-game season (Spirit played 24 in 2018). The Stars have shipped more than quadruple their goals for this season.

The Stars will conclude their season on Decision Day on Sunday, November 1st at Washington Spirit. Kickoff is at 4pm CT.

Photos by Len Cederholm