The Chicago Red Stars will have their first mid-week match against the Seattle Reign FC this Wednesday. This match up will the first of a four-game road trip over the course for two weeks. Chicago is coming off an impressive win against Sky Blue FC at home. The Red Stars remain undefeated in Toyota Park this season, so it will be an opportunity for them to improve on their away record.

Seattle is currently looking to start a win streak of their own, having only one win in their last five matches. It won’t be an easy task, as they will be without their captain and 2016 defender of the year Lauren Barnes. She will be missing the match due to receiving a Red Card in Seattle’s match against FC Kansas City.

Where we last saw them

The Red Stars hosted Seattle back in May. Seattle arrived in Chicago after dealing with rough heat conditions against Houston. Despite out shooting the Reign, Chicago netted one goal via Christen Press giving them the win.

Starting line up we’d like to see:

Last time the Red Stars visited Seattle, Jen Hoy came away with a brace. She’s been used more as a sub lately, but got the start this past Sunday against Sky Blue FC. Hoy missed some quality opportunities on net that she would probably like back. So, we wouldn’t mind seeing her in the starting eleven again to see if she can work her magic against the Reign.

Danielle Colaprico is likely out due to the ankle sprain she suffered this past Sunday. So, Alyssa Mautz might be getting the start. Although we wouldn’t mind seeing rookie Morgan Proffitt get some time against a Barnes-less Seattle.

Keys to the Match

Test the Backline

Chicago has been blessed this season with multiple goal scorers. No longer is this the squad that is relying on the prime time magic that Christen Press can (and still does) provide. Press, Huerta, Ertz, DiBernardo, Colaprico, Mautz, are all players that have scored to date. The team will want to try and press Seattle’s back line that’s featuring a questionable Rachel Corsie and missing Lu Barnes.

Contain the Midfield

In their previous match up, Chicago frustrated Seattle’s Jess Fishlock and managed to contain one of their biggest play makers in Nahomi Kawasumi. Not having Colaprico in the lineup will be a challenge for the Red Stars, but not an impossible one with the midfield depth that they have.

Start the road trip right

Seattle is currently sitting just outside the top four, in fifth place for league standings. They are also coming off of 3 draws in their last 5 matches. Playing at home, they will be hungry for a win. Chicago will want to try and set the tone for their road trip with this first game. Chicago will want to shoot for points over the next four games. It’s a long road trip and still early enough in the season to run the table, so the Red Stars will want to start in Seattle.

How to Watch

Kickoff: Wednesday, June 28th, 9:30 pm CDT

Stream: go90

Final Thoughts

Do you think the Red Stars will come away with a win on long travel and short rest? Who would you like to see start? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!