By Lesley Ryder
The Stars go into tonight’s match against San Diego just one point out of last place. They’ve lost four of five matches, and they’ve scored as many goals (three) as they have been shut out by their opponents.
Head coach Lorne Donaldson won’t make excuses for the slow start. “We still know it's early, but I mean, we can't keep saying that. We have to start getting results. To get results, you have to put it in the back of the net.”
Stars FC’s had moments of brilliance—a 7-piece passing play that led to Ludmila’s backflip goal celebration comes to mind, but for the most part it’s been just moments for the Stars. “I think we're moving in the right direction to accomplish something. With sports or with anything, sometimes it's a slow start and you have to build on it. I think we're building in a positive way and hopefully we can continue that trend,” Donaldson said in the pre-match press conference.
Home matches haven’t been much of an advantage for the Stars. Last season, they won just 4 out of 13 home games, and they’re riding a 5-match losing streak dating back to September, when they beat San Diego Wave 1-0.
The vibes in the locker room are still high, according to defender Taylor Malham. “I think we're all together as a group, which is the most important part. Obviously, it’s a long season, we go through a lot of ups and downs. But I think the most important part is staying together, and I think we do a pretty good job of that.”
Chicago will face an upstart Wave FC, coming off a 4-1 win over Racing Louisville last weekend.
Availability Report:
Out: Jenna Bike (quad), Natalia Kuikka (knee), Mal Swanson (excused absence).