Preview: Chicago Stars FC at Utah Royals FC
Published on April 3, 2026 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release
CHICAGO - Chicago Stars FC (1-3-0, 3 pts) will conclude their two-game road trip as they head to Utah to face the Royals (1-2-1, 4pts) on Friday, April 3 at 8 p.m. CT at America First Field. The Stars will aim to collect their first points on the road, while the Royals look for their second-straight win.
Where to Watch
Stream: NWSL+
Previous Result:
CHI: The Stars fell 2-0 to San Diego Wave FC on Saturday, March 28 at Snapdragon Stadium.
Utah: The Royals recorded their first win of the season in a 2-1 victory over Boston Legacy FC at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, March 28.
Storylines
Sjögren at the Helm: After being announced as Chicago's new head coach late last year, Martin Sjögren's first season with the Stars is underway. The Swede arrives in Chicago after more than a decade coaching at various Swedish teams and a stint at the helm of the Norwegian Women's National Team. Sjögren earned his first NWSL win in a 2-1 victory over the reigning NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current on Sunday, March 22. Current assistant coach Anders Jacobson previously joined the Stars in August 2025 as interim head coach ahead of Sjögren's arrival, setting the foundation for what would become the team's identity under the duo.
Season Debuts: Against the Wave, defender Kathrin Hendrich forward Nádia Gomes made their season debuts for the Stars, subbing in at the 60th minute. The pair last saw the pitch in the final match of the 2025 season on November 2 against Angel City FC.
Squad Leaders: Sam Staab and Alyssa Naeher lead the Stars with 360 minutes, playing the entirety of Chicago's four games this season. Staab also leads the squad with 284 touches, 222 passes, 28 clearances and four blocks. Through four games of action, Brianna Pinto leads with 11 tackles.
Here's the History: The Stars have a 6-3-1 advantage over the Royals, dating back to Utah's inaugural season in 2018. Chicago's last match against Utah was a 2-2 draw at SeatGeek Stadium on October 5, 2018. Nádia Gomes will return to Utah, where she played for BYU. During her sophomore season with the Cougars, Gomes led the WCC in points, goals and game-winning goals and was named WCC Player of the Year.
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