CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars kick off a two-game road trip in D.C. this weekend when they take on Washington Spirit on Saturday, August 10 at 6 pm CT. Here are the keys to the game:

Break Down the Wall: With 26 goals this season, Chicago has the third highest-scoring offense in the NWSL. Sam Kerr enters the match leading the league with 12 goals in as many games played. Teammate Yuki Nagasato has an additional four goals, while Vanessa DiBernardo has scored two goals in her last three games. They will face off against the league’s most in-form goalkeeper, Aubrey Bledsoe. With 55 total saves on the season, Bledsoe has held opponents scoreless in six of the 14 games she’s played. 

Rise and Shine: Chicago has made a habit of scoring early in games this season. This past weekend, Kerr’s goal in the fifth minute versus Utah increased the Red Stars total to 11 goals scored in the opening 20 minutes and it was the eighth game this season they have scored during that time span. Washington has embraced the opposite approach throughout the season, with 13 of their 19 total goals coming in the second half.

Hometown Heat: Casey Short continues to shine this season, putting in an impressive shift against the Royals on Saturday. Short led the team in tackles, clearances, and interceptions while also logging a team-high 13 duels. Against Washington earlier this season, Short displayed her offensive ability as she led the team in shots on goal. Her consistency has been impeccable, earning a place in every NWSL Team of the Month in 2019.