Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Red Stars opened up its season on Friday night in a preseason scrimmage versus Illinois State to prepare for the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. The closed scrimmage saw action from plenty of Red Star veterans, draftees and trialists as they look to make the final 20-player roster. Take a look at the some game-day photos below:

After only facing each other the past three days in double days, the Red Stars were ready to take on a new opponent in Illinois State.

Arin Gilliland, awarded to the 2015 NWSL Second XI  Team, was back in action for Chicago on Friday.  

Plenty of new faces took the field versus Illinois State, including Joanie Sieja,  as she chases her dreams in becoming a professional with the Red Stars. 

Cara Walls looked like a true veteran on the field for Chicago, as the second-year Red Star was poised and smart with the ball at her feet. 

Recent draft pick Sarah Gorden took the field as a Red Stars for the first-time on Friday night, where she showed her versatility on the backline. 

The Red Stars will be back in action in two weeks, when Chicago takes on Northwestern University on Sunday, April 3 at 5p.m. in Evanston. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Individual tickets for the Red Stars home-opener on April 23 against Western New York Flash are currently on sale now! Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the ticket office at 773.697.8699.