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Not Done Yet

Although Chicago’s playoff hopes were dashed October 7, the Red Stars can still influence playoff scenarios for multiple teams. Only two teams, Portland and San Diego, have clinched a postseason spot heading into the NWSL’s Decision Day October 15, while Chicago and Kansas City are the only teams eliminated from playoff contention. This leaves the remaining eight NWSL teams vying for one of the four remaining spots. The result of the Red Stars and Reign match influences the odds of every team’s playoff chances. Currently sitting sixth in league standings, the Reign can secure a playoff run without relying on other results if they win, but if the Reign draw with or lose to Chicago, they need multiple results to end in their favor. With numerous potential outcomes, Chicago fans certainly won’t be the only ones throwing their support behind the Red Stars.

Mayhem Reigns, Stars Shine

With so much resting on the final afternoon of regular-season play, OL Reign will have to fight tooth and nail to secure a playoff spot. While Chicago is currently last in the NWSL standings, only five total points separate the two teams. Additionally, the sixth-place Reign only have eight regular-season wins compared to the Red Stars’ seven. Chicago has the upper hand when looking at the results of each team’s last five matchups (CHI LWDWD, RGN DDLWL) and number of goals scored (CHI 28, RGN 26). The last five meetings between the two are split down the middle, with the Red Stars and the Reign each having two wins and one draw between them. Both teams are comparable in other statistics, with less than two percentage points separating each team’s overall passing accuracy (CHI 76.00 percent, RGN 74.42 percent), shooting accuracy (CHI 45.95 percent, RGN 47.54 percent) and duels success rate (CHI 49.90 percent, RGN 51.60 percent). Additionally, the Reign have six clean sheets while the Red Stars have five, Chicago have won more tackles (237) than the Reign (232) and OL Reign have 19 assists compared to Chicago’s 16. The final meeting of the two teams in 2023 is sure to be a nail-biter.

Full Circle

No matter the result in Bridgeview October 15, the night will be an emotional one for Chicago soccer fans. Multiple honors will be distributed at SeatGeek Stadium, including the Chicago Red Stars’ 2023 #SheInspiresMe award, recognition of Arin Wright becoming the Red Star with the most all-time regular-season starts and the defender’s 150th regular-season appearance September 30, and NWSL legend Megan Rapinoe’s last professional regular-season match. The #SheInspiresMe award is presented every year to Chicagoland women who exemplify leadership, practice social responsibility and who inspire and uplift their community. Fans nominate women to be celebrated at every Chicago Red Stars home match before voting one nominee to win the annual #SheInspiresMe award, presented at the final home match of the season. United States Women’s National Team and OL Reign midfielder, Megan Rapinoe, announced her retirement from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season. Rapinoe’s final regular-season match taking place in Chicago is fitting for the women’s soccer legend, who began her professional career with the Red Stars in 2009 during the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Soccer league (WPS). The WPS preceded the NWSL as the highest professional women’s soccer league in the United States from 2009-2011. Rapinoe’s storied career, beginning in Chicago and ending with current team OL Reign, will be a symbolic, full-circle moment for many women’s soccer lovers throughout the United States.

NWSL Regular Season - MATCH 22

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