2019 NWSL Regular Season — Week 10

Chicago Red Stars vs Reign FC SeatGeek Stadium. Bridgeview, IL

June 23 — 5:00 PM CT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars return to NWSL action when they take on Reign FC on Sunday, June 23. The two teams faced off earlier this season in a 3-0 victory for Chicago.

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

Jessica Fishlock returned to Reign FC after a loan spell in Lyon and made an immediate impact. With her team trailing, her goal in the 77th minute salvaged a point for Reign FC in a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit. Since losing to Chicago back in late April, Reign FC has gone on a 5-game unbeaten run.

Storylines

You Got A Friend in Me: On Wednesday Chicago acquired an additional offensive threat when they traded for Savannah McCaskill. Luckily, the former U.S. WNT and Sky Blue forward will reunite with some familiar faces in the Windy City. Danielle Colaprico and McCaskill won the W-League Grand Final last winter with Sydney FC. Her and Katie Johnson shared the field as members of Sky Blue FC last season, and during her time with U.S. WNT McCaskill and Tierna Davidson both had their first international cap in the same game.

The Claw: When defender Sarah Gorden goes in for a tackle, odds are she’s successful in stifling the opposing offense. Her tackle success rate is an impressive 83.3% and she has won 66% of her duels. In her fifth season Gorden has shown why the Chicago’s depth is so often praised, starting in seven matches while a handful of her Red Star teammates are shining at the World Cup.

Sheriff Dibernardo: Vanessa DiBernardo continued to cement herself as a Red Star legend when she reached her 100th league cap with the team back in May. Dibernardo is the rock of the Chicago midfield, successful completing 74% of her passes and distributing 46.6 passes per game, a team-high for players with more than 3 games played. She is also one of the best distributors in league history, ranking 4th all-time in the NWSL with 20 assists. Wherever DiBernardo goes, the Chicago offense follows.  

Yuki’s Coming!: The last time these two teams played Yuki Nagasato was the star. In the 3-0 win, the 2011 World Cup Champion provided the assist on Casey Short’s opening strike. Later in the half Nagasato had a sublime finish, gathering the ball with the goalkeeper well of her line and composed herself to fire the rocket right on target to double Chicago’s lead. That performance earned Nagasato the NWSL Player of the Week Honor.

Nagasato was also key in the lone series win for both teams last season. With the final whistle looming, she intercepted the goalkeeper’s pass off the goal kick and headed it directly to Sam Kerr for the game-winning assist.