Carli Lloyd could not conjure up some magic in what turned into her final pro soccer game. (USA TODAY Photo)
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Carli Lloyd’s legendary career is over.
The Chicago Red Stars made sure of that, posting a 1-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League quarterfinals at SeatGeek Stadium Sunday.
Mallory Pugh scored the lone goal in the 61st minute.
The Red Stars will take on Portland Thorns FC in the semifinals Nov. 14.
Lloyd announced her retirement from the game earlier this year, having competed in her last U.S. women’s national team match last month. She played in her final Gotham FC home game last week, a 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville FC that clinched a playoff berth.
On the winning goal, Sarah Woldmoe possessed the ball in the middle of the park and found Pugh in the box. Pugh’s curling effort was no match for goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
In the first half, Kealia Watt and Mallory Pugh attempted find the breakthrough for the hosts against Gotham FC’s Lloyd, Margaret Purce and Ifeoma Onumonu led things down at the other end.
Over time, Chicago were willing to sit back and let Gotham maintain possession of the ball. Despite a handful of attacking waves, neither side could find a breakthrough after the first 45 minutes.
Coming out after half-time, the teams ramped up their energy calling both goalkeepers into action. Chicago, however, was the more threatening side.
Over the final hal hour, Gotham pushed forward trying to find the equalizer, but fell short.
