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NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Preview: Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC

March 23, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO (March 23, 2024) - The Chicago Red Stars host Seattle Reign FC to open home play for the 2024 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The Red Stars return to the Windy City victorious after kicking off the season with a 0-2 shutout over Utah Royals FC, looking to win two regular-season matches back-to-back for the first time since July 1 (1-0 vs. San Diego) and July 7 (0-1 at Houston).

Fans attending the match in person can expect a new look and feel to Red Stars home matches, starting with the new fan zone experience at the Gate C entrance. The first 1,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a Red Stars Home Opener scarf and can explore all the activities in the fan zone including a PlayStation 5 set up to host EA FC 24 matches, a kids zone with fun activities for children, lawn games and beverage service for adults and much more.

The club also recently partnered with KultureCity to provide fans with sensory needs sensory bags and a quiet place in the stadium to get away from the lights and noise of the crowd and still enjoy the match.

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. CT

Where to Watch

Stream: NWSL+ (plus.nwslsoccer.com)

Previous Result:

CHI: The Red Stars began the season undefeated with a 2-0 clean sheet against Utah

SEA: Seattle also notched one in their win column with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit

Storylines

Don't Reign On Our Parade: Seattle Reign FC are unbeaten against Chicago in their last three matches (2W, 1D), scoring 10 goals over that same span. In the clubs' previous 12 meetings, Chicago held Seattle to only 10 goals dating back to 2018. With both teams revamping their rosters, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top in the contest this weekend. For Seattle, the club, despite losing key players like Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, still has the services of Alana Cook, Sophia Huerta, Jess Fishlock and Jordyn Huitema. Chicago, on the other hand, saw the return of Mallory Swanson and the incredible form of Alyssa Naeher in their first match against Utah, and have the X factor of young talent looking to make names for themselves in this league. All in all, an exciting and unpredictable contest can be expected Saturday afternoon.

Unsung Heroes: In Chicago's first match this season, the Red Stars saw brilliant performances from Alyssa Naeher and Ally Schlegel and Ava Cook, the club's two goal scorers. Midfielder, Julia Bianchi, and defender, Natalia Kuikka, however, had impressive performances themselves. Bianchi led the team in recoveries, interceptions and tackles won, while still ranking in the top five in passes completed and passes in the final third. Kuikka led the team in chances created and completed passes while ranking in the top five in crosses attempted and recoveries. Continued performances like the last match by the two Red Stars should only signal hope for fans as the season continues.

Fresh Starts at SeatGeek: With 14 new players rocking Red Stars jerseys in 2024, many new faces could be making debuts at SeatGeek Stadium throughout the season. Rookies Hannah Anderson, Bea Franklin, Jameese Joseph and Leilanni Nesbeth could all earn their first professional minutes against the Reign Saturday, while new additions Camryn Biegalski, Chardonnay Curran and Shea Groom could also take the pitch as Red Stars for the first time. Chicago debutantes have already made an impact this season, with Nádia Gomes, Maxi Rall and Sam Staab earning starts and adding to contributions from Ally Cook and Kuikka March 16. In just the season opener, Cook and Staab notched assists, Rall and Staab led the team in touches (49 each) and clearances (3 each), and Rall won more tackles (2) than any other Red Star. With every new name looking to make their mark on Chicago, fans have much to look forward to at each match.

Check out the Chicago Stars FC Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 23, 2024


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