Red Stars give up lead late
The Red Stars surrendered the tying goal in the 87th minute in a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit on Saturday at SeatGeek Stadium.
Savannah McCaskill gave the Red Stars (1-1-1) the lead in the 72nd minute, taking a cross from Sarah Luebbert and scoring from close range against goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe. Crystal Thomas tied it when she sprinted past Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to score.
Luebbert earned an assist for the second consecutive game. She has contributed to at least one goal in all three games of the Fall Series. She scored in her first professional start against the Spirit (1-1-1) on Sept. 12 and assisted on one of Kealia Watt’s goals in a 4-1 victory over Sky Blue FC on Sept. 20.
McCaskill finished with two shots on target and passing accuracy of 70.6%. She also contributed defensively with two tackles and a block and won two fouls.
Zoe Morse and Sarah Gorden were strong on defense for the Red Stars. Morse tied for the team lead with three tackles and led the team with four clearances and three blocks. Gorden won possession back a team-high nine times and had an interception, three clearances and two blocks.
Red Stars defender Tierna Davidson entered late in the second half. It was her first Fall Series appearance after a right-foot injury.
In two home games during the Fall Series, the Red Stars earned at least a point in both. Since last year, they have won or tied in their last six games at SeatGeek Stadium.
The game was the second and final meeting between the teams in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Fall Series. The Spirit previously defeated the Red Stars 2-1.
The Red Stars’ next game is Oct. 10 at Sky Blue FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on CBS All-Access.