Not Just For Pride: Red Stars v. FC Gold Pride, Struggle For Survival

Bridgeview, IL  FC Gold Pride finds itself in the same predicament Chicago was in last week: desperate for a win. Having notched only two points in the WPS Standings since mid-May with a pair of ties, the Bay Area club needs a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

Gold Pride has to be confident. Despite being on the road, they will be returning to the scene of their last victory, 1-0, on May 16th. 

Chicago, on the other hand, must capitalize on their latest momentum shift. Chicago defeated Washington last Wednesday to pull within two points of the fourth and final playoff berth, but the Freedom had a game in hand.

With Washington's loss last weekend, the Red Stars remain just two points out of playoff range.

The Red Stars need to win again this weekend to hold their own, or, in the event of another Washington loss, pull ahead.

FC Gold Pride, can gain ground simply with a tie. It would give them the advantage in the Chicago series, since they currently stand at 1-0-1.

A victory by more than a one-goal margin would give Chicago the series.

The importance of this match increases yet again, when considering the reality that the Red Stars must play league-leading Los Angeles Sol twice more down the stretch. Although Chicago played well by tying the Sol in their first meeting, the second match between the two went all Los Angeles's way.

The Red Stars are close enough to control their own destiny, but must be mindful of Sky Blue FC as their other obstacle to the final berth. Sky Blue, in fifth place, leads Chicago by one point and trails fourth place Washington by the same.

Making matters more challenging for Chicago will be the absence of striker Karen Carney (pictured above), who will be on International duty this weekend, playing for England.