By Lesley Ryder
The Chicago Stars snapped their longest losing streak in club history against Bay FC last Sunday.
Flip-worthy as the result was, head coach Lorne Donaldson said the team kept a level head in training this week.
“We know it's one game. You can't get too high or you can't get too low. It's early, you know, and we have to go out on front and try to perform the best we can and try to get results especially where we at right now.”
The time is ripe for a big move on the early season table for the previously last place Stars. Sunday’s win brought the team up to 12th place on the table, behind 5 different teams sitting just one point above them. Tomorrow’s match is against the now last place Utah Royals, who have yet to find their groove this season. A win against Utah could catapult them up to 6th place.
After Sunday’s win, the team remained in the bay for training ahead of their match in Utah. “I was talking to the coaches about it before, it’s kind of like a mini preseason. So if we can take, you know, a little reflection back to our preseason, and take some energy back from that, and just put it into this little ministry right here, I think we can come out and try and play as good as we can.”
The time together seemed to help team morale, according to Bea Franklin. “I think it's fun. It's great to be in the sun. Hopefully we're getting a little more tan, a little more skin is out at practice,” Franklin joked “It’s just good vibes. Being in a different place kind of shakes things up.”
Cameryn Biegalski had a strong performance on Sunday. Her 1v1 defending on Racheal Kundinanji neutralized her as an attacking threat. Her upfield pass set the table for Jameese Joseph’s award-winning setup for Ludmila’s first goal on the day.
Biegalski’s efforts earned praise from her captain Alyssa Naeher in her instagram stories. “It feels really good. She's a world-class player. I think a lot of credit also goes to her, because it makes me feel more confident, knowing that she's behind me.”
The Stars hope to keep the winning momentum tonight in Utah. Last season, they won both their matches against the Royals.