2022 NWSL Regular Season, Match 21
Chicago Red Stars vs Portland Thorns
Providence Park, Portland, OR
September 25, at 3:00 P.M. CT
CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars (8-6-6, 30 points) take on the Portland Thorns (9-3-8, 35 points) for the second time in the Red Stars’ 21st regular-season match Sunday, September 25, at 3:00 P.M. CT at Providence Park.
Where to Watch
Local Broadcast: UniMas, The U
Stream: Paramount+ and Twitch (international)
Previous Result:
CHI: The Red Stars fell to the Houston Dash 1-0 at home.
POR: Portland defeated Louisville 3-0 clinching a spot in the NWSL Playoffs
Storylines
Familiar Foes: Both the Portland Thorns and the Red Stars were inaugural members of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2012, and have a long history of meeting on the pitch in both regular and post season play. In one of the most recent matches, the Red Stars knocked the Thorns out of the 2021 NWSL semi-finals. The two have met once before in the 2022 regular season, ending in a 2-2 draw. In the regular season, Chicago is 1-10-10 in regular season play, but 2-0 in the playoffs against Portland. With only one more game remaining in the regular season and four points separating the top six teams, both teams will surely enter this match with a playoffs mentality.
Regroup and Refocus: The Red Stars’ loss to Houston ended a four-game unbeaten streak, the longest since the nine-game unbeaten streak was broken in late July, also against Houston. The Red Stars will be looking for their ninth win of the season, which only San Diego and Kansas City have accomplished thus far into the 2022 season.
Chicago Red Stats: After the Houston match, the Red Stars are top five in the league in goals scored (32) and assists (23). Mallory Pugh is in the top five in goals (10), assists (6), shots (43) and braces (3). Alyssa Naeher, meanwhile is in the top five keepers in goals against average (1.12) and clean sheets (6). Naeher’s next appearance will set a new record for all-time regular season appearances by a goalkeeper. Additionally, Naeher’s next clean sheet would tie her with AD Franch for second on the all-time list.