Their pursuit of perfection came to a resounding end Saturday evening, June 5, in Kansas City, but the Chicago Force did qualify for the Independent Women's Football League ( IWFL ) playoffs.
The Kansas City Tribe defeated Chicago 30-12 as the Force finished the regular-season 7-1.
Chicago faces the Dallas Diamonds on the road June 12. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
"In short, we did not play well," Chicago General Manager Linda Bache said. "We were careless with the ball; we had five turnovers, which is atrocious. Although our offense was able to move the ball, we were unable to capitalize on opportunities. So, instead of being 8-0 and hosting playoffs, we now have to travel to Dallas on very short notice and play in stifling heat.
"This loss has made things pretty difficult for us ... we're going to have to get it done the hard way now."
The Force led 6-0 in the first quarter when Kim Marks blocked a Tribe punt and Alisha Brennon scooped it up and ran it in for a touchdown. The PAT by Carolyn Lee was good, but Chicago was flagged for a mouthpiece violation, and Lee then missed the re-kick.
The Tribe responded to build a 16-6 lead at halftime.
The second half featured four Force turnovers ( two interceptions and two fumbles ) .
"We cannot make a run in the playoffs if we continue to turn the ball over and fail to execute," said Chicago coach John Konecki. "In football, the team who wants it more usually wins. Today, that team was not us."