GAME NOTES

CHICAGO – The Red Stars hope to win the three-game series against the Dash when they head to Houston on Saturday, September 23. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and live on the go90 app and NWSLsoccer.com.

The Red Stars are still in the hunt for one of the final two playoff spots, as well as the Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign FC. In their last match on September 9, Chicago could have clinched a semifinal position when they faced FC Kansas City, but the teams fought to a scoreless draw. For the second season in a row, Chicago eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention.

In the Dash’s last game, the team fell 1-0 to the league leaders, North Carolina Courage. Rookie goalkeeper Jane Campbell came in clutch for Houston, earning five saves, but it was North Carolina’s Kristen Hamilton that snuck one past the young keeper.

The Dash and the Red Stars each split a 2-0 win at their respective home fields. In the season opener back in April, Houston hosted Chicago with Rachel Daly and Kaelia Ohai scoring in the Chicago defeat. Turning right around in May, the Red Stars earned the win off a Julie Ertz goal and an own goal by Dash forward, Sarah Hagan.

Houston’s team has suffered significant losses this season, including their head coach Randy Waldrum, who has been replaced with interim head coach Omar Morales, plus the team has been without their co-captains in Kaelia Ohai and Carli Lloyd due to injury. Meanwhile, US. WNT midfielder Morgan Brian was traded to the Red Stars at the end of August, while midfielder Kristie Mewis was acquired by the Dash.

After losing four of their last five games, Houston is out of playoff contention, but will still look to end the season strong. On the other hand, Chicago is in a must-win scenario to clinch a playoff spot this week, or the hope for a semifinal will be put off to the final week of play.

Chicago will head to Portland for their final game of regular season to take on the Thorns. The game will kick off on Saturday, September 30, at 2:30 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast live as Lifetime’s Game of the Week.