Match Preview: KC NWSL @ Chicago Red Stars

Match Details

KC NWSL (0-1-0)
@ Chicago Red Stars (0-1-1)

When: Wednesday, April 21 | 5:30 PM CT

Where: SeatGeek Stadium | Bridgeview, IL

Live Stream: Paramount+

It’s been 12 days since the last game, which marked Kansas City’s return to the NWSL. The return resulted in a 2-1 loss to the Portland Thorns, and KC NWSL now looks to bounce back as it continues the Challenge Cup tournament on the road against the Chicago Red Stars, a team also trying to gain momentum.

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, but due to snow in the Chicago area, the match was pushed to today with a 5:30 pm kick off. Whether the extra day will be an advantage will be seen today. Head coach Huw Williams says his team is ready, especially after the Portland game.

“The situation is what it is,” said Williams. “These players are ready to play and one day is not going to make a difference. The fact is there were many positives to take out of the Portland game. The team has been focused all week and is concentrating on bringing home a positive result this week.”

What we can expect

KC NWSL worked hard against Portland on April 9, but they were often caught off guard in set pieces, which resulted in both Portland goals. Amy Rodriguez and Victoria Pickett were the two players that led the KC offense last time, and all eyes will be on them once again. The good news is that they will have extra help. Midfielders Desiree Scott and Lo LaBonta will return to the starting eleven, along with defender Katie Bowen, who will also be expected to contribute to the attack from the back. Midfielders Jordyn Listro and Chloe Logarzo joined Kansas City’s camp this week, and they could also see their first minutes as members of the KC squad.

Kansas City will face a Chicago team that has yet to score a goal in two games in the Challenge Cup, and who also fell to the Thorns in their previous game. We’ll see two teams competing to get their first win of 2021.

KC NWSL Injury Report

OUT: Arielle Ship (Right Lower Leg), Jaycie Johnson, (Right Thigh), Darian Jenkins (Left Thigh), Elizabeth Ball (Right Lower Leg), Diana Matheson (Left Foot)

Also of note, KC has released forwards Brittany Ratcliffe and Raisa Strom-Okimoto

Projected Line Up: 4-3-3
Smith (GK)
Bowen, Corsie, Del Fava, Maemone
Scott, LaBonta, Vincent
Pickett, Rodriguez, Vasconcelos

Prediction: Returning players will definitely change how the team plays this time around. It’s a stronger Kansas City squad against the Red Stars. They’ll face a Chicago team that is also still trying to figure out their best formation.

Prediction: KC NWSL 1-0