Tarpley would record the game-winner in the 61st minute. The Chicago forward took a feed from Megan Rapinoe, spun around a Freedom defender and buried her shot in the upper left corner for her third goal of the season, retying Cristiane for the team scoring lead.
Caroline Jonsson was back in early season form, putting on a "saving clinic" as LA writer Jo-Ryan Salazar has described it more than once. While she wasn't under as much pressure as her counterpart for The Freedom, Jonsson played brilliantly when challenged.
On the other side of the field, Canadian international keeper, Erin McCleod made numerous impressive stops, but was saved by the cross bar on several more near misses from Chicago players.
At the end of the day, the stats told the story of Chicago's dominance, outshooting Washington 28-16, but for a change, the scoreboard was in line with the rest of the numbers.
It was an especially effective win for Chicago since the Red Stars gained three points on fourth place Washington in the race for the final WPS playoff berth. The win also moves Chicago from seventh place to fifth, with 14 points, just two points shy of The Freedom, though Washington has a game in hand.
The Red Stars have a bye in WPS, this coming weekend, but will not be idle. They take on the Irish National Team, including their own Mary Threse McDonnell, for a friendly, at Benedictine University in suburban Lisle, IL, at 3 PM. Season ticket holders may use their "Bonus Game 1" tickets for free admission.
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