GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars look to solidify their playoff position as they hit the road to take on FC Kansas City on Saturday, September 9 at Children’s Mercy Victory Field. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast on Lifetime as the NWSL Game of the Week.

After losing three-straight home games, Chicago rebounded and is on a two-game winning streak, recently defeating league-leaders, North Carolina Courage, 2-1. With the win over North Carolina, Chicago became the only team the Courage could not defeat, winning all three matches. Earning her first goal of the season, Yuki Nagasato equalized the match in the second half, followed by a late Julie Ertz game winner.

FC Kansas City continued to stay alive in the race for the playoffs after beating Sky Blue FC, 4-1. Lo’eau Labonta gave Kansas City the lead with the help of Shea Groom. Minutes later, the duo switched rolls and combined for another goal, giving a 2-0 lead before the second half. Groom ended the night with a brace, while Sydney Leroux tallied the final goal of the night in second half stoppage time. After her strong performance in the match, Groom was named NWSL Player of the Week.

The battle between the Midwest clubs has been even between Kansas City and Chicago. In April, Chicago took a 1-0 shutout win at home, while the Red Stars fell to Kansas City last month, 1-3, despite the Red Stars creating more opportunities with 22 shots to Kansas City’s nine.

The Red Stars captain Christen Press continues to hold the top spot with shots (76), but sunk down to second with shots on goal (44). Press remains on the leader board with 10 goals, tying her personal record for goals in a season with Chicago.

With the newest allocation of U.S. international Morgan Brian, Chicago now has five U.S. Women’s National Team allocated players, one Japan international and Sofia Huerta still on the outskirts, currently waiting for approval for change of association from FIFA. The Red Stars will look to use their veteran players to finish out the season in positive fashion and seal their playoff spot with a win this weekend.

Chicago is currently on a three-game road trip to end the 2017 NWSL season and will head to Houston next weekend to take on the Dash on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed live on the go90 app and NWSLsoccer.com.