NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Matchday Preview: Red Stars vs Washington Spirit

Published on November 19, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO - The Chicago Red Stars will take on the Washington Spirit in the 2021 NWSL Championship in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. CT.

Where to Watch

Stream: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, Twitch (international)

Previous Result CHI: Katie Johnson and Sarah Woldmoe both scored, and Cassie Miller recorded seven saves as the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Portland Thorns in the semifinal round Sunday, November 14.

WAS: Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez both scored for the Spirit as Washington defeated OL Reign 2-1 Sunday, November 14.

Storylines

How They Got Here: Saturday morning's matchup will be the culmination of a long season for both teams. Now, the Red Stars (11-8-5) and the Spirit (11-7-6) will play for the right to be called NWSL Champions for the first time ever. The Spirit advanced to the title game by defeating the North Carolina Courage 1-0 in extra time November 7, followed by defeating OL Reign 2-1 this past Sunday. The Red Stars advanced to the title game by first defeating Gotham FC at home 1-0 November 7 thanks to a second-half goal from Mal Pugh, and then traveling to top-seeded Portland where they beat the Thorns last Sunday 2-0 with goals from Katie Johnson and Sarah Woldmoe.

Title Trip, x3: Saturday will see the Red Stars appearing in their second straight NWSL Championship following a regular season, but also will serve as the team's third title game appearance in as many years. This comes after Chicago advanced to their first-ever NWSL Championship appearance in 2019 where they took on the North Carolina Courage, followed by last year's inaugural Challenge Cup where the Red Stars played the Houston Dash in the final.

All to Play "Four": The Red Stars and Spirit will be taking on each other for what will be the fourth time in 2021, with this game being the most significant of them all. In the three meetings between Chicago and Washington, the Red Stars drew level once with a 1-1 result (June 19) and won twice by scores of 1-0 (July 2) and 3-1 (August 1).

Best of the Best: Both teams taking part in this Saturday's championship tilt each have two representatives on this year's NWSL Best XI presented by MasterCard. Washington is represented by Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch, who both were named to the First Team. The Red Stars are represented by Sarah Gorden on the First Team and Mal Pugh on the Second Team.

2021 NWSL Championship

Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Spirit

Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY

November 20, at 11:00 A.M. CT

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 19, 2021


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