Match Forecast: Reign FC Continues Road Stretch Against Chicago Stars FC
This Saturday, Reign FC travels to Soldier Field to take on Chicago Stars FC for the first time this season. The Reign roll into the match riding the momentum of their 2-1 win over San Diego Wave FC last weekend, while Chicago is coming off a gritty 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. PT at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in on ION.
2025 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 5-4-2 (17 points, 5th place), Chicago Stars FC: 1-8-2 (5 points, 14th place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – Seattle and Chicago last met in April 2024 at Lumen Field. The visitors won the match 2-1, getting by on two first half goals from forwards Ally Schlegel and Mallory Swanson. The Reign answered back in the 79th minute but were unable to fully mount a comeback. The final 15 minutes of the match featured over 66% of possession for the Reign, in addition to four shots, but time ran out before the team could harness their momentum and find an equalizer.
All-time, Chicago has a slight edge in the head-to-head series. The Reign have 11 wins, 12 losses and eight draws, but have outscored Chicago 44 goals to 43.
2. SCOUTING CHICAGO STARS FC – Chicago currently sits in 14th place in the NWSL standings, with five points. They have earned one win and two draws this season, in addition to eight losses.
Most recently, Chicago played Angel City FC and drew 2-2. Angel City’s Kennedy Fuller scored one first half goal, but the majority of the action played out in the second half of the match. Chicago scored two goals in less than 10 minutes starting in the 58th minute, when forward Nádia Gomes created enough space to take a shot, forcing an attempted save and ultimate deflection into the back of the net. Forward Ally Schlegel added the second goal, dribbling into space before unleashing a shot from about 35 yards out to give Chicago a short-lived lead. Angel City Defender M.A. Vignola tied the match up before the final whistle, forcing the teams to split the points.
3. YOUNG STARS CONTINUE TO RISE – Reign FC’s young players have been an integral part of the squad this season, stepping up at critical moments. Most recently, Sally Menti has made a name for her herself in the midfield, scoring the opening goal in Reign FC’s match against San Diego Wave FC. The rookie has played just two games and 91 minutes for the Reign but has made the most of her minutes.
In addition, forward Emeri Adames added the game-winner in the Reign’s match against San Diego, her third career goal for the Reign and second of the season.
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – For the Reign, defender Jordyn Bugg continues to impress from her spot in the backline. She has started every match of the season and continues to display skill far beyond her age. In the Reign’s last match, she won two tackles and made two interceptions and five clearances. Forward Lynn Biyendolo, who took two shots on target against Wave FC, has scored 10 regular-season goals against Chicago, equaling her most against any opponent. She has scored a goal in her last four matches against the Stars. Biyendolo, who tallied in five straight games against Boston Breakers in 2015-16, could become the first player in NWSL history with five-game scoring streaks against multiple opponents.
For Chicago, Ludmila leads the team in goalscoring, with two goals on the season. She recorded a brace earlier in the season and has played in 10 matches for Chicago. Defensively, Taylor Malham has been a key player for the Stars, playing every minute of the season so far. While she has taken one shot, she has made 20 tackles, nine interceptions and has a passing accuracy of 80%.