Australia's W-League kicked off this Friday and continues through this weekend with additional games. The league enters its 10th season and this year two of its teams will see faces familiar to Chicago.

The Chicago Red Stars are no strangers to W-League. Last season a total of 8 players opted to head “down 'unda” and particpate in the off season. Red Stars players Vanessa DiBernardo, Alyssa Mautz, Samantha Johnson, Arin Gilliland, Jen Hoy, Danielle Colaprico, Sofia Huerta, and Katie Naughton all participated in 2016. Australian sides Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Victory, and Adelaide all held Chicago players on their rosters.

Still repping Chicago

However this year that number is smaller with Gilliland, Mautz, Colaprico, and Naughton making a return to Australia. Gilliland is returning to Newcastle Jets. Mautz won't be returning to Perth Glory and is instead joining fellow Red Stars in Adelaide.

The Red Stars had another strong season despite getting eliminated in the semifinals. Throughout the season, offseason play was praised for helping all players evolve their form. Sofia Huerta has been playing in U.S. National Team camps and games and Katie Naughton was voted most improved this season.

Offseason blues?

If fans hate sleep they have options to view matches through a pay-per-view streaming service via https://www.oz.com/

More streaming details can be found here.