The Chicago Red Stars broke club and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) records again on Sept. 8 in the team’s Welcome Home Match, presented by United Airlines.
However, the squad fell to the Orlando Pride 1-0.
A crowd of 7,291 marked the fifth-highest attendance in Red Stars history and helped the NWSL surpass 1.5 million regular-season match attendees for the first time in league history. Also, the Red Stars honored Olympians Julia Grosso, Ludmila, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson.
In addition, Brazilian Olympic silver medalist and new Chicago Red Star Ludmila made her debut for the club during this match.
Next, the Red Stars will face the Portland Thorns on Friday, Sept. 13, at 9 p.m. CT at Providence Park.
In other news, the Red Stars have signed forward Jenna Bike to a two-year extension contract that will keep the Connecticut native in Chicago through the 2026 season. Bike joined the Red Stars ahead of the 2023 season and immediately began contributing to the team, making 22 appearances across all competitions, including five starts.
Chicago Sky dominates Wings
In the team’s first game since star rookie Angel Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury, the Chicago Sky defeated the Dallas Wings 92-77 at Wintrust Arena, also on Sept. 8.
The Sky took a first-quarter 33-19 lead fueled by Chennedy Carter’s 11 points in the period and didn’t look back; she finished with 28 points and adding six assists. Isabelle Harrison recorded a season-high 21 points, finishing two short of tying her career high, along with nine rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso recorded a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double while Michaela Onyenwere scored 10. Dana Evans added 11 points off the bench.
The Sky wrap up their three-game home stretch with a game against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 11—the team’s fourth game against the Mystics this season. The Mystics are currently one game behind the Sky for eighth in the WNBA standings—the last playoff spot.