July 20, 2012
STARS SHINE
Red Stars top Turbo D’Feeters for berth in National Cups Final

Amanda Cinalli chips the ball into the net for the Chicago Red Stars in first-half stoppage time of Friday’s 5-3 win over Turbo D’Feers in the National Cups semifinals. Photo courtesy Chicago Red Stars

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Amanda Cinalli and Vanessa Laxgang combined for three goals and three assists as the Chicago Red Stars outlasted Turbo D’Feeters from North Texas (Region III) 5-3 in Friday’s National Cups semifinal at Toyota Park.

The win sends the Red Stars through to Sunday’s (12:00 pm) National Cups Final against previous National Cup winners New York Athletic Club (Region I), who defeated Salt Lake United (Region IV) 4-0 in Friday’s other semifinal.

Turbo D’Feeters came out early and strong in the first half, scoring in the eighth and 32nd minutes, before Cinalli cut the margin with a stoppage time flick over the ‘keeper, leaving the score 2-1 at the half.

The Red Stars took command in the first 10 minutes of the second half, beginning with a Kelsey Hough’s 2-2 equalizer in the 48th minute, off a low cross by Cinalli. In the 56th, Megan York was able to muscle around the goalkeeper to put the Red Stars up 3-2. Laxgang was credited with the assist, and six minutes later notched a goal of her own to leave Chicago up by two.

Shortly after the goal, Red Stars central defender Ali Heller had to step off the field due to a shoulder injury. D’Feeters were able to capitalize on their man advantage, scoring off a long run and edging closer with a 4-3 scoreline. But it turned out to be their final opportunity of the day. The Red Stars put the finishing touches on the match in the 75th minute when Laxgang earned another assist, finding the head of Cinalli and closing out the game 5-3.

The Red Stars are also on the road this weekend closing out their WPSL Elite regular season schedule. They will meet NY Fury on Long Island Sunday night at 7pm ET, essentially splitting the Red Stars roster in half for this weekend’s matches. Shortly after, the Red Stars will travel to Rochester, the host site of the 2012 WPSL Elite Championships to take part in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 25th, and if victorious, the finals on Saturday, July 28th.