After dropping their matchup against Chicago City SC earlier this season, River Light FC got their revenge as they defeated Chicago City 4-0 at Hoyne Park. Anya Gulbrandson scored twice in both halves to secure the win, while Devin Lynch and Mackenzie Anthony got on the scoresheet in what was their third clean sheet in five games.
This victory marked head coach Charles Latshaw’s 50th USL victory, after three seasons at the pre-professional level.
Running down Chicago’s right flank in the fourth minute of action, Gulbrandson received a pass past the middle of the field and in City territory. With space to run, Gulbrandson ran forward and released a powerful right-footed strike that sailed above City’s defense and into the top right corner of the opposition's net.
In the 14th minute, the Lights took possession of the ball in the final third making it’s way to Lynch who was waiting on the wing. Under pressure from multiple City midfielders, Lynch pulled the trigger on a rocket that reached its destination to make it a 2-0 game.
Picking up a bit of a knock in the 23rd minute, Adriana Merriam who had been causing all sorts of problems in the wings was replaced by Ellie Egeland.
Despite securing the early advantage, River Light kept pushing for a third as multiple Gulbrandson shots came close. With eight minutes left in the first half, a City attack was turned into a River Light counter as Lynch caught City with a high defensive line and crossed a perfectly weighted ball to Anthony who only had the keeper to beat and finished into an empty net.
Just as the fans were getting back into their seats for the start of the second half, River Light regained possession after City kicked off in the middle of the pitch. In a 38 second span, Gulbrandson sneaked into the penalty area, slipping a nice chipped shot past the opposition's keeper. A steal in the midfield and some chaos in the box gave the Lights their fourth goal of the match.
River Light kept the clean sheet as they avenged their early season defeat to Chicago City, two teams that are continuing to push for playoffs and looking to extend their seasons into July.
River Light won’t have to travel very far as they face the Chicago Dutch Lions FC at Spartan Athletic Park this Friday at 7 p.m. for their final match of the regular season.
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