2022 NWSL Regular Season, Match 16
North Carolina Courage vs Chicago Red Stars
Wakemed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
August 20, at 6:00 P.M. CT
CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars (6-4-5, 23 points) face off against the North Carolina Courage (2-6-4, 10 points) for the second time in the Red Stars’ 16th regular-season match Saturday August 20, at 6:00 P.M. CT at Wakemed Soccer Park.
Where to Watch
Stream: Twitch (U.S. and international)
Previous Result:
CHI: The Red Stars fell 1-0 in Los Angeles during their first meeting in club history with Angel City FC.
NCC: The Courage lost 4-3 at home to the Kansas City Current.
Storylines
Standing Strong: The Red Stars are looking to hold onto or advance their current league standing in order to secure a spot in this year’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoffs. Only the top six teams in the league earn a chance to compete for the title of NWSL Champions, with the top two teams in the league guaranteed a place in the semi-finals. Currently sitting in sixth place with 23 points, the Red Stars qualify for a playoff spot, but Angel City FC looms close behind in seventh place with 21 points after their victory over the Red Stars last Sunday. The Courage are also looking to give themselves a boost in league standings as they sit at the bottom of the table.
Exciting Endings: The last time the Courage faced off with the Red Stars, the game seemed to be heading towards a 2-0 Courage victory at the end of 90 full minutes. However, in a nail-biting five minutes of stoppage time, Chicago’s Sarah Griffith and Amanda Kowalski buried goals into the back of the net. These goals evened the score 2-2 and furthered the Red Stars’ unbeaten streak to nine games.
Away We Go: The Red Stars last home match was played two weeks ago, and they won’t return home for a match until September 14. Currently, the Red Stars have a 2-3-2 away record this season. Playing at North Carolina has presented a challenge to the Red Stars in the past as well, with the team only totaling two wins away in all previous meetings with the Courage.