The Chicago Red Stars kicked off their 2024 campaign with a 0-2 win over Utah Royals FC in the Royals’ inaugural match back in the National Women’s Soccer League. Ally Schlegel and Ava Cook provided the two goals for the Red Stars, and were backed by an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.  

KEY MOMENTS:  

4’ Sam Staab misjudges a ball in Utah’s defensive third that leads to a break away, but the center back hustles back to make a key slide and clear any danger. 

32’ Chicago’s Julia Bianchi clears a ball in Chicago’s defensive third that goes up the line to find Mallory Swanson in stride. Swanson carries the ball into Utah territory makes a cross that deflects to Red Stars forward, Ally Schlegel, who takes a shot that goes wide of the net. 

48’ Mallory Swanson receives a ball and dribbles into Utah’s 18-yard box, passes the ball to a trailing Nádia Gomes, but the forward’s shot goes over the crossbar 

50’ Chicago’s Sam Staab lobs a ball into Utah’s 18-yard box that finds the head of Ally Schlegel who gets it into the net to open the scoring, 0-1 Chicago 

54’ Utah goes on a breakaway straight toward Chicago’s goal, but the attacker’s shot is saved by the outstretched right hand of Alyssa Naeher, 0-1 Chicago 

76’ Chicago’s Maxi Rall carries the ball across the field into Utah’s 18-yard box, takes a shot that goes off Ally Cook, bounces to Ava Cook who scores to extend Chicago’s lead, 0-2 Chicago 

GAME NOTES: 

• Tonight marked Mallory Swanson’s first match back since injury last season. She played 80 minutes before subbing out 
• Tonight also marked the first match back for Nádia Gomes after briefly retiring from the sport, as well as the first NWSL match for Maximiliane Rall, who spent her career playing in Europe before joining the Red Stars this offseason15th coach to win in  
• The win tonight for Coach Donaldson makes him the 15th coach in league history to win his very first match as a head coach, of 57 total debuts  
• Alyssa Naeher made five saves tonight, making this her first five save match since Chicago faced Louisville October 1, 2023 
• Chicago walked away with three points despite having less possession (32.5% to 67.5), lower expected goals (.98 to 2.10), less shots inside the box (6 to 12) and less passes in the final third (74 to 129) 
• Sam Staab’s assist marks her first with the club since joining via trade in January 

Next Game 

Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC March 23, 2024, 3:00 p.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium