By Lesley Ryder

The Chicago Stars seemed doomed from the start of this match. The tidy passes, aggressive press and midfield organization that had been so key for this team out of the summer break failed to show in the first half. Houston’s Yazmeen Ryan eluded defenders multiple times, and broke through with the winning goal in the 28th minute.

Houston’s first half attack had the Stars chasing shadows. Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan combined for 5 scoring opportunities in the attacking third. In the 28th minute, Ryan jumped on a poor clearance from Sam Staab and advanced downfield in a 3-on-1 advantage. She took her shot just inside the 18’ box and it cruised past a diving Alyssa Naeher. The Stars only mustered a single shot on target on Abby Smith, who came on for an injured Jane Campbell in the 12th minute Given the chances by Houston, the Stars were fortunate to get to the break only down by one goal.

After a rough first half, the Stars needed a change. Interim Anders Jacobson hoped to try a new pressing tactic using...