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NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Preview: Chicago Red Stars vs. Portland Thorns FC

April 27, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO - The Chicago Red Stars (3-1-1, 10 pts) return to the Windy City to face the Portland Thorns FC (1-3-1, 4 pts), their second Pacific Northwest opponent in a row. Both teams look to capitalize off momentum from winning their last matches, but home field advantage falls squarely in Chicago's corner. This weekend, the first 1,000 fans to enter SeatGeek Stadium will receive a Red Stars Bucket Hat. Tickets are available now at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.

Where to Watch

National Broadcast: ION

Previous Result:

CHI: Chicago earned a 1-2 road win against Seattle to sweep the season series

POR: Portland earned their first win of the season against Houston, 4-1

Storylines

Masters of Momentum: Both the Red Stars and the Thorns will step onto the pitch at SeatGeek Stadium with some confidence after winning their National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Week 5 matches. While the Thorns enjoyed their first win of the season last week, the Red Stars are coming off another win against Seattle. A win that means Chicago has now swept the season series against the Reign. Additionally, Chicago sits third on the NWSL table, far above the Thorns in ninth place, with six points separating the two teams. Red Star Tatumn Milazzo boosts Chicago's drive further following her back-to-back NWSL Impact Save of the Week honors as does Chicago's 10 points thus far in 2024 marking the club's best start since 2016. Meanwhile, Portland is grappling with their worst start to a season in club history with just one win under their belt through five weeks, which came against a struggling Houston Dash.

Thorn(s) in the Side: While the Red Stars have more momentum in their favor, the Thorns have history on their side. Portland have only lost to Chicago twice throughout 26 fixtures between the clubs, winning 14 times, drawing in 10 matches and making a tall order for the Red Stars to overcome if the team wants a win and three points. The Thorns also have an edge over Chicago in goals scored this season, with 10 compared to the Red Stars' seven, and shooting accuracy, with 52.2 percent accuracy from a league-high 67 shots compared to Chicago's 50 percent shooting accuracy from 40 shots. However, the Red Stars have only allowed four goals from 17 shots faced, which wilts in comparison with Portland's 11 goals allowed from 24 shots faced. Chicago's four goals against also ties the club for second-least goals allowed in the NWSL, behind San Diego's three, whereas the Thorns' 11 goals against ties them for third-most goals allowed, above Bay FC's 12 and the Houston Dash's 14.

Four to Fear: Four Red Stars have started 2024 with sparks flying behind them: Julia Bianchi, Natalia Kuikka, Cari Roccaro and Sam Staab. Along with the latter three still in Iron Woman contention, the four lead the team in 11 statistical categories. Besides her goal, midfielder Bianchi ranks second in the NWSL in tackles won (14), fifth in the league with 18 tackles attempted and has accumulated a team-high 7 interceptions. Defender Kuikka is ranked third in the league for blocks (9) and has more passes than any other Red Star (250), while midfielder Roccaro leads the team in recoveries, with 37. Defender Sam Staab, who earned starts in all 95 career appearances, holds team highs in touches (326), chances created (7), passes in the final third (49) and clearances (28).

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