2019 NWSL Regular Season – Week 11

Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars 

Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida

June 30– 4:00 PM CT

CHICAGO — For the first time this season, the Chicago Red Stars travel to Exploria Stadium to face the Orlando Pride in Week 11 of the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League season on Sunday, June 30. 

Where to Watch

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Stream: NBC Sports App, Yahoo Sports

Additionally, authenticated regional subscribers of NBC Sports Chicago can view the live stream of the game at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive.

Opponent Form

Following a poor run that saw them lose seven of their first eight games, the Pride has gone on a two-game unbeaten run in recent weeks. The turnaround began on June 15 against the Houston Dash. Despite an early lead, the Pride found themselves behind with 20 minutes to play, but a Danica Evans goal in the 71st minute salvaged a  2-2 draw for Orlando. 

The next week against Sky Blue FC, Orlando again struck first through a Chioma Ubogagu penalty before Sky Blue equalized in the 67th minute through a penalty kick of their own. With 10 minutes left, Orlando rookie Marisa Viggiano made a terrific run to beat four defenders and play a ball into the box that was tucked away for an own goal. The Pride were able to hold for their first win of the season. 

Storylines

It’s a Small World: Joanna Boyles was picked up by Chicago in the third round of the 2018 NWSL Dispersal Draft and captained a Red Stars Reserve team that reached the National Semifinal in 2018. This past April she was signed by Orlando and has become a key member of the Pride’s roster. Boyles has started in five of the seven games she has played in this year and was the catalyst to the draw against Houston. 

Expedition McCaskill: Savannah McCaskill was brought to Chicago last week as the team sought extra firepower on offense. Against Reign FC last week she showed the Chicago faithful how the type of dynamic player the Red Stars acquired. She led the team in shots on target, total crosses and set up the team’s two best scoring opportunities. The first came after McCaskill nutmegged her opponent and set up a cross in the box that hit off the crossbar. Just minutes later, McCaskill nearly scored again. Her long-distance rocket was barely saved by the goalkeeper and pushed out of bounds for a Red Stars corner kick. It was a solid 83-minute performance for the newcomer, who will continue to make an impact here in Chicago. 

Splash Mountain: It’s no secret there has been a drought of goals in Chicago. The Red Stars have failed to score a goal in their previous three games. Likewise, Orlando is tied for the lowest amount of goals scored by a team this season with six. Both teams see this game as an opportunity to make a splash and a possible turning point this season. The Red Stars want to find the back of the net and rediscover their attack that saw them become the most lethal offense in the NWSL earlier this season. Orlando went from scoring a mere two goals through eight games to start the season to doubling that total their last two games. 

Haunted Exploria: Aside from Chicago’s 3-1 win in Orlando last season, Exploria Stadium has proven to be a tough place for the Red Stars to play since the Pride’s inception in 2017. All but one game between both teams at Orlando has been decided by one goal, and Orlando’s only loss to Chicago last season essentially put their playoff hopes to rest. With a new coach and a different set of expectations, Orlando look to once again make their home a daunting place for Chicago to play.