2019 NWSL Regular Season – Week 15

Chicago Red Stars vs Utah Royals FC

SeatGeek Stadium. Bridgeview, IL

August 3 at 7:00 PM CT

 CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars return to SeatGeek Stadium for a matchup against the Utah Royals on Saturday, August 3 at 7:00 PM C.T.

Where to Watch

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Stream: Yahoo Sports

Opponent Form

Utah struck first in their matchup against the North Carolina Courage last week, but the Royals were again defeated after goals from Kristen Hamilton and Jessica McDonald. Utah has lost three of their last five games, but have regained a spark in their offense, scoring three goals in their last two games after being shut out in their three previous games. 

 Storylines

Vanessa, You’re a Star: Vanessa DiBernardo is on a great run of form the last three games. The midfielder set up Katie Johson’s game-winning goal against Houston to move up to third in the all-time NWSL assist rankings. The following week she scored one of the most memorable goals in Red Stars history, getting the equalizer in front of 17,000+ at SeatGeek Stadium. She would get on the scoresheet again last week, beautifully placing a one-time shot at the far post for Chicago’s second goal in their 4-0 victory over Reign FC. In her last three games, DiBernardo has been directly involved in 3 of the Red Stars last 7 goals, helping guide the team back into a playoff spot.

Be Still: Chicago matched their season-high in goals scored last week in a 4-0 victory, but they face a Utah Royals team that leads the league in clean sheets with six in 2019, including stifling the Red Stars offense in their last matchup, a 1-0 win for the hosts. Utah will look to regain the form that saw them as one of the league’s best teams, as they are still very much in the playoff hunt only four points away from that coveted fourth-place spot.

Mr. Brightside: The end of July has been very kind to the Red Stars. A team that was on the outside looking in at the playoffs after the World Cup stretch of the season, the team has made a statement in their last three games. Against Houston, they showed their defensive strength and their famous Chicago grit in a 1-0 win. The following week, Chicago overcame an early deficit against North Carolina to get the 2-1victory. Which brings us to last week’s 4-0 win over Reign FC, a game where four different players got on the scoresheet. Now, Chicago’s trending up at to third place in the NWSL Standings and players clicking like they were earlier in the season when Chicago was the NWSL’s best side.