It might seem strange to put a “must-win” tag on the third game of a 26-game season.
But after two NWSL losses, the Chicago Stars found themselves 0-2-0 and in last place in the 14-team league.
And they were hosting 13th-place Racing Louisville at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Whether it’s too early for “must-win” scenarios or not, the Red Stars’ first trifecta of games were a disaster. That included a 1-0 loss to Louisville on March 30 to fall to 0-3-0 and stay in last place in the league, while getting outscored 9-1.
Stars coach Lorne Donaldson is sticking with his theory that the team’s belief in the system and process will help turn things around.
“We have a game plan, and we have to stick with it,” he said. “It’s a trust thing with the players. We’re going to trust each other.
“It’s a rough time right now and we have to figure a way to get through this.”
The game, which drew an announced crowd of 1,806, started two hours late because of storms.
Louisville (1-1-1) scored in the 27th minute when Taylor Flint found Emma Sears, who buried a shot into the net. Goalie Katie Lund racked up the shutout and had three saves.
Earlier in the week, the Stars made some moves as they re-signed forward Nadia Gomes through June 30.
They also loaned Naperville native Sarah Griffith to Calgary Wild FC of the Canadian Northern Super League through June 30.
Also, Micayla Johnson (United States), Jameese Joseph (United States), Julia Grosso (Canada) and Ludmila (Brazil) will join their respective national teams during the April FIFA international window.
Assistant coach Ella Masar was also invited to the United States camp.
Because of the break, the Stars will not play again until 6 p.m. April 13 with a road game at Bay FC in San Jose.
Hounds keep barking
The Chicago Hounds won their fifth straight Major League Rugby game, 20-18 over NOLA Gold on March 29.
The Hounds (5-1-0) trailed 11-5 at halftime but tries by Chris Hilsenbeck at the 51st minute and Maclean Jones at the 54th minute put the Hounds ahead. Hilsenbeck added insurance with a penalty shot and they hung on from there against NOLA (1-5-0).
The Hounds, the leaders in the Eastern Conference, return to action at 9 p.m. April 5 against Western Conference leader San Diego (5-1-0) on the road.
Fire tie Montreal
The Chicago Fire hoped to take three points from winless Montreal but settled for a 1-1 tie on March 29 in front of an announced crowd of 16,278 at Soldier Field.
Winger Philip Zinckernagel scored his second goal in as many games in the 40th minute with assists from Andrew Gutman and Jonathan Bamba for the Fire (3-1-2). Montreal (0-4-2) scored in the 50th minute to tie and both defenses buckled down after that.
The Fire travel to face the New York Red Bulls at 6:30 p.m. April 5.
Fire II top Cincy
The Chicago Fire II beat winless FC Cincinnati 2-1 in an MLS NEXT Pro road game.
Cincinnati (0-3-0) scored in the fourth minute, but the Fire (2-1-0) roared back with Claudio Cassano scoring in the 10th minute and Cincinnati giving up an own goal in the 50th minute .
The Fire visit the New York Red Bulls at 4 p.m. April 6.
The team announced its game against New England has been changed from April 12 to 3 p.m. June 8 at SeatGeek Stadium.
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