Match Forecast: Reign FC Takes on Chicago Stars FC on Sunday
Seattle Reign FC returns from the international break and immediately plays two consecutive matches on the road, beginning their journey at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois against Chicago Stars FC. Though the Reign are not in a position to clinch a playoff spot this weekend, the squad needs to pick up every possible point to fight their way above the playoff line.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. PT at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on The Roku Channel.
2026 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 12-11-4 (40 points, 9th place), Chicago Stars FC: 5-20-2 (17 points, 16th place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – The Reign and Stars last met on August 14 at Lumen Field, where the Reign won 1-0, backed by a solid Pride Night crowd. The first half got off to a blistering start and didn’t slow down much, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. However, it took less than 10 minutes of action in the second half for Reign FC to break the deadlock and score what would be the game-winning goal.
Maddie Dahlien found Sofia Huerta’s underlapping run, allowing the defender to play a pass to Sally Menti. Menti used her fast feet to one-touch the ball to Maddie Mercado. Reign FC’s leading goalscorer had her initial shot blocked by a defender but made no mistake as she capitalized on the rebound.
Across all competitions, the Reign have 12 wins, 12 losses and 10 draws against Chicago and have netted 50 goals compared to Chicago’s 48.
2. SCOUTING CHICAGO – Most recently, Chicago fell 3-0 to Denver Summit FC, conceding goals in the eighth, 26th and 76th minutes. Denver enjoyed the majority of possession in the match, never really allowing Chicago to get back in the action.
Chicago has lost three consecutive matches, but most recently picked up a point when they took on Portland Thorns FC on September 13. Taylor Wood scored Chicago’s lone goal in the 1-1 draw.
3. PUSH FOR PLAYOFFS – While the Stars are already eliminated from playoff contention, the Reign are still fighting for their spot in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs. Currently, Seattle occupies the ninth position in the standings – just one place out of the playoffs. Though they cannot clinch their playoff berth this weekend, it is critical that the team earns all three points in this match to make their way above the playoff line.
As it stands, two teams have clinched their spot in the playoffs and three more have scenarios that would allow them to do it this weekend. Gotham FC and San Diego Wave FC are in, while Washington Spirit, Utah Royals FC and Kansas City Current could clinch this weekend, if results go their way.
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock has scored eight goals in 24 career matches against Chicago Stars, her most against a single opponent in regular season play. She also recently added a brace against Boston Legacy FC to become Reign FC’s leading goalscorer – remaining a clear offensive threat to the opposition.
Reign FC forward Maddie Mercado is another player to watch. She recorded the Reign’s lone goal against Chicago and currently leads the team in goals scored this year. She’ll be looking to get on the scoresheet once again as the Reign fight to clinch a playoff spot.
For Chicago, Racheal Kundananji joined the club from Bay FC as the first addition to the roster under new Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski. She was Bay FC’s all-time scoring leader with 12 goals and 11 assists and will be looking to make an immediate impact for Chicago.
Mallory Swanson is another noteworthy player, as she went on international duty over the break and Swanson returned to the pitch for the USWNT and recorded her 39th goal in a 2-2 draw against Spain.