2019 NWSL Regular Season – Week 6

Chicago Red Stars vs Houston Dash

BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

May 19 – 5:00 PM CT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars are on the road again to face the top-ranked Houston Dash for the first time this season at BBVA Compass Stadium. Chicago is riding off an impressive Mother’s Day win and look to build further momentum for its first away win of the season.

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

Houston has been in fine form to start the season, most recently taking all three points from a previously unbeaten Utah Royals team in Week 5 to launch themselves to the top of the NWSL standings. The Dash have scored at least one goal in each of its matches this season. Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell has racked up two clean sheets for her club while conceding six goals, however, four of those came in a high-paced match against North Carolina.

What to Watch For & Storylines

Quality Shot Opportunities: The Red Stars are currently tied for first in the league in scoring, notching 11 goals in five games. Chicago was outshot 16-9 by North Carolina in their Week 5 matchup, but came up big with three quality shots that converted into goals for the win. When Chicago shoots, they are efficient in turning them into goals.

Physicality: Each matchup between the Red Stars and the Dash in the 2018 NWSL season saw no less than two yellow cards. Both teams are also in the top 3 of cards received this season. A clash of similar, gritty play could be on display Sunday.  

100 Club: It’s now Vanessa DiBernardo’s time to shine. The Red Stars co-captain will earn her 100th appearance for Chicago in the NWSL with any playing time on Sunday versus Houston. The midfielder has been a key piece to Chicago’s four consecutive playoff berths and has been stellar in the league since being drafted in 2014. The Naperville native has earned all 100 appearances with the Red Stars. This marks the 24th player in NWSL history to join the 100 club.

Captain Kerr for Matildas: Red Stars forward Sam Kerr will captain the Matildas in the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer. The forward was named to the 23-player roster on Tuesday of this week. Kerr, 25, will play in this match and then head straight to international duty.

Not So Secret Internationals: If you’ve watched any Red Stars game dating back to May 2018 you’ve noticed the connection between Sam Kerr and Yuki Nagasato. Last season Kerr and Nagasato connected eight times that ended in a result for one of the two forwards. This season the two don’t seem to be slowing down. On top of connecting on two goals this season, Kerr finds herself leading the league in goals with four, while Nagasato has an additional three goals and three assists.