Tag: Christen Press

WoSo Remix: Chance The Rapper and Chicago Red Stars

Posted on by RJ Allen

This is the first installment of a three-part series.

*DISCLAIMER*

Yes, this is a women’s soccer article referencing a rap album. Yes, there is foul language. Yes, this is your Parental Advisory.

Chance The Rapper - Coloring Book (cover art)
Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book (cover art)

If you’re from Chicago and are unfamiliar with hip hop or have been living under a rock the last 4 years, Chance The Rapper is an artist from the south side of Chicago who has been receiving tons of critical acclaim for his new release, Coloring Book. If you haven’t heard it yet, go do yourself a favor and download it. It is free.

In Chance’s album, he touches on many of his loves. His Family, his Faith, and his City. Although it holds gospel influences, the tracks throughout the album invite you into his world with native Chicago house music influences and juke beats – all guided by a flow uniquely his own. Seriously, go download it.

 

WHY WOMEN’S SOCCER & HIP HOP?

It’s no secret athletes are into music. They use it to motivate their workouts and hype up game days. Here at Backline Soccer we’re into a whole bunch of cool shit like WoSo, tacos, and music. So when Chance The Rapper dropped that mix-tape, I immediately downloaded it like the loyal Chicagoan I am. It was released back in May, about a month after the National Women’s Soccer League kicked off their historic 4th season.

Similar to athletes, music usually accompanies me whenever I do some kind of writing. So it only seemed appropriate to do a review and remix of the mix-tape that has taken the music world by storm with the squad that literally reps Chicago’s notorious stars on its crest, The Chicago Red Stars.  While going through Coloring Book’s from start to finish, I will be comparing players from this season’s active roster to specific lyrics in its tracks.

ChicagoRedStars

*DISCLAIMER 2*

AGAIN. This album contains a Parental Advisory for Explicit Content. So chill the fuck out. Also, not all players will be used in this WoSo Remix to the album. Mostly active starters and players from this season to date, with some honorable mentions.

CHANCE THE RAPPER – COLORING BOOK

ALL WE GOT (FT. Kanye West & Chicago Children’s Choir) – “AND WE BACK.”  In this track Chance lets us know he’s arrived and yet he’s never really left us. He touches on the moments in his life at the release of his album and introduces the gospel influences we will hear throughout the album.

The lyric “They don’t give nothing away, you gotta fight for your way” will be remixed for Chicago Red Stars Goal Keeper Alyssa Naeher. Granted the ‘they’ in this line can also be attributed to Chicago’s backline as well, however in the event that they do give ‘something’ away, Naeher is still there to be reckoned with. Just try and fight your way past her.

 

NO PROBLEM (FT. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) – “You don’t want ZERO problems big fella.”  This song was the first track to get a music video to accompany it after the album released (Angels was first). In it, Chance calls out the major music labels who failed in their efforts to deny him access to the artists he wanted to collaborate with, and his desire to put out the music he wanted to release – for free.

The hypnotizing hook “You don’t want no problems, want no problems with me” will be remixed for Chicago Red Stars captain, Christen Press. Press has been referred to as the main component of Chicago’s offensive presence on the pitch. Few goalkeepers want to be caught one on one with her on the pitch. Before she got named to the Olympic roster she left the team with four goals, 27 shots on goal, and 42 total shots. You don’t want ZERO problems with Press.

 

SUMMER FRIENDS (FT. Jeremih & Francis & The Lights) – “Summer friends don’t stay.”  A very somber track that has Chance reminiscing on friends and lives lost in his south side community of Chatham, specifically in summer time in Chicago. In remembering past summers, he acknowledges how they have shaped his present. He collaborates with fellow Chicagoan Jeremih who sings an outro on the track expressing the importance of remaining loyal with those who came up through the trials with you.

The song hits home due to the truth it holds. Some Chicagoland communities have a history with violence. It’s not hard to find someone directly affected by it somehow. It is a sensitive subject that should be discussed not glorified. Although difficult to choose a specific lyric from this very moving song, the line “Oh I used to kill em with the long hair” stands out since Chance has referenced his long natural hair in prior songs.

This line will be remixed for Julie Johnston and Samantha Johnson. Along with their fantastic defensive and leadership skills, they both have a strong hair and fashion game. They both do a great job of reaching out and working with youth as well. They have both formed a strong bond as the main center backs of the defense. Johnson has done a great job of filling as the voice of the backline during Johnston’s Olympic duty absence. And let’s not forget the recent animated short where Johnston tells us how she used to ‘kill em with the long hair.’

 

D.R.A.M SINGS SPECIAL – This track is the shortest on Chance’s album. It clocks in at one minute and 42 seconds. It features D.R.A.M and Elle Varner singing a very melodic verse repeatedly, serving as a bit of a lullaby interlude for the album. The track is literally five lines repeated twice: “You are very special. You’re special too. Everyone is special. This I know is true, when I look at you.”

Due to the short length of this track and its minimal yet significant lyrics, this whole interlude will be remixed for Sarah Gorden.

Drafted second overall for the Red Stars in the NWSL 2016 draft, she hasn’t seen much playing time on the pitch this year, logging minutes in only two games so far this season. However, that doesn’t reflect her great work ethic or stop her from working on her game. It’s not easy being a professional athlete and a mom on an NWSL salary, but somehow she’s doing it. We all know she’s special and it’s a matter of time before we see her on the pitch again.

Honorable Mention: Lori Chalupny. Long time Red Star and retired captain, Chups’s jersey was recently retired by the team, so we know how special she is to the Red Stars and Chicagoland fans. Check out her jersey retirement ceremony here.

 

BLESSINGS – “The praises go up. The blessings come down.” A break out song from Coloring Book, Chance literally utilizes this track as his praise song. By remembering God throughout his journey in music, Chance knows that his blessing will come. The refrain that Jamila Woods sings echoes throughout the track like a holy reprise. It is that lyric that we will remix for Casey Short.

Short has been on the Red Stars’ radar for years. Initially drafted fifth overall by Boston in 2013, she suffered a season ending injury. Chicago picked up her rights for 2014, but Short had another setback due to injury. After fighting her way back to playing form, she had a successful 27 appearances for Avaldsnes in Norway in 2015. Finally, in 2016, we saw her long-awaited arrival to Chicago.

When you put in the work, you reap the rewards. Her long journey has seen plenty of adversity, but Short has now become a staple in Chicago’s back-five, a defense that includes National Team regulars like Julie Johnston and Alyssa Naeher. Coupled with fellow outside back Arin Gilliland, she is one part of a lethal duo. Ultimately, it’s not just Short, but the fans who are blessed as well.

 

 

We will continue this WoSo Remix as a series. Coloring Book Tracks 6 through 10 and 11 through 14 will be covered in separate parts. Stay tuned!

 

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In a time when our country is most divided, is the national women’s team most inclusive?

Posted on by RJ Allen

In case you missed it, there was a presidential election in the United States this past Tuesday. No matter how you voted, or whether you were able, you might have had some feelings about it the following day.

There’s Nothing Like an Election to Remind You How Divided We Are

Full disclosure, I was one of those people with feelings. After the election, I was left more than discouraged, plagued with concern for the future of my friends and family, as well their own personal safety – and my own as included. To be even more honest, I was finding it hard to get excited about the upcoming pair of international friendlies the United States national team was about to face. I love sports. I love women’s soccer. How low must I be if I couldn’t get enthusiastic about sports?

The US national team is currently ranked number one in the FIFA standings. They will be facing Romania in these two upcoming matches. Romania is currently ranked 36th overall, and were eliminated from qualifying to the Euros. It not difficult to imagine the US will come out victorious in these matches. I thought maybe I’d skip these games and continue with my post-election processing.

Nothing Like Sports to Show Us How United We Can Be

Sports can sometimes be a way for people to try and find some solace. Sports are a constant in our American culture. Need to take your mind off something? Watch a game. I heard you can even find drone racing on television these days. Sports can be therapeutic at times. Whether you’re out on the pitch, in the press box, or watching in your home – sports can be a source of comfort.

In pulling myself out of political limbo, I’ve tried to remind myself why I should watch a couple of games that ultimately are meaningless in terms of major tournaments. This team hasn’t always been the most diverse. History has shown that. Former USWNT goalkeeper Briana Scurry recently had her jersey and gloves enshrined in the brand new National Museum of African American History and Culture. The same jersey she wore in 1999 just 17 years ago when the USWNT won their second Women’s World Cup.

17 years ago: that’s younger than our nation’s voting age.

In spite of the lack of diversity on this team–largely to things like “pay to play” and the failure, on multiple levels, to make formal youth soccer opportunities available and accessible in ethnic urban areas–the Women’s National Team has always given its fans reasons to cheer. In winning their World Cup championships and Olympic medals. They have also given its fans players who are uniquely their own to root for. Whatever your politics, if you cheer for this team you probably have favorite players.

Whether you’ve been around awhile and have looked up to a legend like Mia Hamm, or maybe you’re a LGBT youth who has found representation in a player like Megan Rapinoe. Maybe you’re strong in faith and looked up to players like Lauren Holiday. Maybe you’re a young girl or woman of color and are searching for someone who looks like you, and realizing that for the first time, watching this team on the field tonight, you have LITERAL options.

When You Cry Because There Are So Many Players For You to Cheer For

When the national call-ups first dropped, it truly was a welcome surprise. Yes, this team is different than a year ago, but that wasn’t the surprise.  It was the range of diversity and inclusion represented on it. It was mainly because of its diversity and inclusion, something that has been somewhat scarce in games past.  It gave us six players of color to watch and cheer for in these upcoming games.

Along with national team regulars Crystal Dunn and Christen Press, we saw players like Casey Short and Lynn Williams earn their second camp call-ups. We saw the return of Jaelene Hinkle and a first time call-up for Orlando Pride’s Kristen Edmonds. When Hinkle had to decline due to injury, her Western New York Flash teammate Jessica McDonald received the call-up, and tonight, earned her first cap with the senior team. Six players. More than one hand. More than enough to help heal a heart in this divisive time in our country.

To my knowledge, I am unaware of there being any current Asian or Latinx or non-Christian players on this team. I also understand that this is professional sports and one should expect the best roster of players. I acknowledge that could mean the team can literally look different at any time.  Therefore, I will always celebrate these small moments that mean so much to so many.

The Personal Is Political

It’s easy to dismiss people’s feelings when they don’t directly affect your own. There has been a lot of that in this country the last few days. It’s also easy to say sports are just entertainment. However, let’s not act like sports hasn’t been a unifying tool for people in their time of need. Sports has always been a place for people to try and come together. Maybe these November friendlies came at the most perfect time, even if they are ‘meaningless.’

They will allow us a moment to imagine that things aren’t looking so grim.

A large amount of work must take place at a grassroots level to make this game more accessible to everyone. However, these games and this moment will give us a roster that’s starting to look toward a more diverse future. That includes representation for a sector of fans that hasn’t always been so visible. Representation matters, and these players care about that. Crystal Dunn is very good at having that conversation and has been more than willing to take on that role. 

These games might not see all these players on the pitch. Maybe these games will be completely one sided. Maybe we could all use something simple to root for, like our soccer team vs the other soccer team. Maybe as citizens we will get to a point where we will allow more love and less fear.  I will always be on the lookout for the next great national team Latinx superstar, and I will always look for women of color being dominate in their respective sports, but I have never felt more hopeful about the national team’s future than now.

Around the World of WoSo: FAWSL Winners and College Soccer

Posted on by RJ Allen

FSU & UVA couldn’t beat the elements:

  In a top three showdown between Florida State (2) and University of Virginia (3), I expected goals and plenty of highlight reel material. Both teams did manage a goal, but the game was called in the 100th minute due to excessive lightening. This ACC matchup gave us an early goal by way of Alexis Shaffer in the ninth minute to give UVA the lead. The Cavaliers held the lead for the next 59 minutes until FSU took advantage of a turnover which led to 1v1 opportunity for Freshman Kristen McFarland. She calmly found the back of the net after shaking off the UVA keeper to salvage the draw. The Seminoles travel to Pitt on Saturday and UVA host North Carolina on ESPNU on Sunday.

South Carolina notches 10th consecutive win:

The Gamecocks are playing some serious team ball right now, evidence of that came Sunday when they earned their 10th straight victory. With second half goals from Sophie Groff, Kaleigh Kurtz and Lindsey Lane, South Carolina cruised past Kentucky. The eighth ranked Gamecocks only allowed two shots from the Wildcats, clearly putting extra work on the defensive end to ensure a win. It was also the sixth shutout on the year, matching last season’s total in just 11 games. Looking to remain undefeated, up next for them is a powerhouse SEC matchup against Texas A & M on Thursday night at College Station. As for Kentucky, they ended what was a tough week, adding on a loss to Missouri a few days ago and a less than impressive 1-1 draw with Alabama earlier in the week. They hope to rebound on Saturday at home against Ole Miss.

Nebraska hat-trick defeats Ohio State:

    Nebraska Senior Jaycie Johnson scored three goals (29, 37’, 60’) to lead her team to its eighth win on the season. This was her second hat trick of her career, and the first since 2013. Johnson now leads the team with seven goals, all coming in the last six games. Her last goal on the night was special, as it was her 38th of her career, putting her eighth in program history. It should be noted that Ohio State was without starting Goalkeeper Jillian McVicker, who suffered an injury over a week ago. The Buckeyes drop to 7-4-1, slowing down considerably after starting the season with six wins in a row. Nebraska faces off with Indiana Friday while Ohio State hosts Northwestern on Saturday.

NWSL playoffs are set:

Heading into the final regular season games on Sunday, the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs were already a lock. Washington, Portland, Chicago and Western New York all made the cut. Washington have made the playoffs three consecutive years while Portland has won the championship (2013) and last made the playoffs in 2014. Meanwhile Chicago made history last season when they secured their first ever trip to the playoffs; they are back once again in hopes of winning its first ever title. Western New York started off the franchise strong, meeting Portland in the Finals in 2013, but since then, hasn’t finished better than seventh. All that changed this season as they finished fourth to grab the last playoff spot by winning their last regular season game against Boston. Certainly each team has strong leadership; Ali Krieger for Washington, Tobin Heath for Portland, Christen Press for Chicago and Jessica McDonald for WNY. The first semifinal is set for Friday, September 30th. The second semifinal is Sunday, October 2nd.

Lianne Sanderson done for the year:

The England international and WNY midfielder will miss the playoffs after tearing her ACL in a friendly against Thailand last week with the Flash. After being acquired from Orlando late in the season, she appeared in nine games for WNY, scoring three goals and contributing to an already bolstered attack led my McDonald, Lynn Williams and Samantha Mewis. Sanderson only lasted 13 minutes before suffering the injury to her right knee. The 28 year old has played for a handful of clubs throughout her career, finding some form of success at each. After this kind of injury, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

FAWSL champions crowned:

For the first time in program history, Manchester City Women are champions of England. After beating rivals Chelsea on Sunday on two goals, the title officially belongs to the women of Manchester, even with two games to play. With a record crowd of 4,096 on hand at Academy Stadium, it proved to be a worthwhile matchup. The first goal came by way of veteran Jill Scott, tallying her third goal of the season. The title-clinching goal in the 49th minute was scored by Toni Duggan on a Penalty given from a foul on teammate Lucy Bronze. It was Duggan’s fifth goal in her 15th appearance. After the match, the team received congratulatory wishes from the Manchester City men’s side, from players like Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. I think it has shown that in just a few short years, Manchester Women have built something special and are deservingly being recognized for it.

Chicago’s Best Football Team Isn’t the Bears, or the Fire

Posted on by RJ Allen

Last Sunday marked an eventful day for professional women’s sports leagues in Chicago.

Both the Chicago Sky of the WNBA and the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL clinched their playoff spots in their respective leagues. Just last month, the Chicago Bandits won their fourth league championship for National Pro Fast Pitch softball. Each professional woman’s league in Chicago has had their share of successes.  However, the Chicago Red Stars seem to be just hitting their stride.

The National Women’s Soccer League has only one week left in its regular season, but the Red Stars are already playoff bound. Their final game against current league leaders, Washington Spirit, will determine whether Chicago heads to Portland or DC for their semi-final. Last season, in the club’s first ever playoff appearance, they lost to eventual champions FC Kansas City, 0-3. A very young team at its core, Chicago will look to redeem themselves in this year’s playoffs.

That’s right. A winning football team in Chicago will be going to the playoffs.

YOU DON’T KNOW IT YET, BUT THIS IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM

When the NWSL entered a historic fourth season, it found the Red Stars calling Toyota Park (Bridgeview, IL) their new permanent home.  It was sort of a homecoming for the former WPS club. The organization as a whole set goals for themselves and have exceeded many expectations due to the efforts of front office trinity, owner Arnim Whisler, General Manager Alyse LaHue, and Head Coach Rory Dames. These three helped lay the blue print for the team that continues to grow even before our eyes.

Their successful draft strategy has resulted in picks of players like Jen Hoy, Julie Johnson, Vanessa DiBernardo, Arin Gilliland, Danielle Colaprico, and Sofia Huerta. They haven’t been afraid to make trades in order  to acquire players like Christen Press and Steph McCaffrey. Many of their players are only in their second year in the league. Specifically, players like Gilliland and Colaprico, who have been dominating their positions at outside back and defensive midfielder.

Off season acquisitions, including United States National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and versatile defender Casey Short, have helped solidify Chicago’s defensive backline, one that has given teams problems all year. Given the recent news of U.S. Soccer terminating Hope Solo’s contract, there has been speculation about Naeher’s rise as the potential starter.

It’s a perfect team to root for considering Chicago has always been a town that rallies behind defensive minded teams.

SO WHY ISN’T CHICAGO SUPPORTING A WINNER?

Last weekend also marked the beginning of a new NFL season. Chicago Bears fans found themselves licking their wounds on Monday morning after an opening game that felt like fans should prepare themselves for another season of mediocrity in 2016.  And the Chicago Fire celebrated their thirteenth loss of the season, leaving them to battle for the second worst team in MLS.

Exciting.

It’s difficult to gauge exactly why a team like the Red Stars are unable to draw a crowd similar to markets like the Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns, or Houston Dash. Chicago is a very sports-saturated city, with its eyes centered in on the big four of NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Some might say that soccer isn’t quite as popular as other pro-sports. Some also might argue that an audience for Women’s Pro-leagues are already small and niche to begin with.

Others have mentioned location. At its inception, the NWSL found the Red Stars playing their games at a Benedictine University, a small private college in Lisle, IL. Although it’s hard to debate location anymore since the move to Toyota Park this season, especially considering the Benedictine field is further from Chicago (25.5mi) than Bridgeview (15.8 mi) is. Furthermore, is there really a debate when you’re comparing a college facility to a pro major league facility?

A team that will have back to back playoff appearances in a four-year-old league deserves to play in a facility and pitch designed for professional athletes.

Still others complain about the difficulty had finding the games, considering they’re not aired on television–local or national–regularly. But even that isn’t really an excuse.

You haven’t been able to watch their games? They’re on YouTube. You can go catch up right now.

SEIZING THE MOMENT

Whatever the reason, you probably haven’t made it to a game. Yet. There’s still time. Despite all the above mentioned reasons, that doesn’t mean that the product on the field is less competitive by any means.  

In the NWSL, the top four teams head to the playoffs. Since the start of this season, the Red Stars have found themselves constantly in the playoff mix. They have players who have battled through injuries, week in and week out. A defensive minded, blue collar team, full of grit. They’ve managed to start scoring more than one goal a game. Whatever the scoreline, they don’t quit.

You shouldn’t either.

So while you may enjoy watching wide receivers run incomplete routes that lead to interceptions, or teams that rack up losses like they’re trying to break a world record, you might consider supporting the Chicago Red Stars. It’s not too late. Again, they have a one last home game of the season before they’re off to compete for a championship. That’s right. A real league championship.

You can catch your Chicago Red Stars final home game at Toyota Park. Saturday, September 24th against the Washington Spirit.