The Chicago Red Stars have arrived. This Sunday they will take on North Carolina Courage in a battle for the NWSL Championship.

The number one and two seeded teams will meet for the first time since July, with Chicago having the better of North Carolina in the regular season. However, it’s the Courage with the post season spoils over Chicago as the Red Stars are winless against North Carolina in their NWSL playoffs record.

It’s a game with expectations of a high quality soccer match, with both teams matching up very well against their other.

Where We Last Saw Them

Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage last faced each other back on July 21. Billed as the Welcome Home match for Chicago Red Stars World Cup players, the match posted the largest (17,388) home attendance for Chicago this year. After going down a goal in the 30th minute, the Red Stars quickly equalized, and later took the lead in the 58th minute and went on to win the match and the regular season series against North Carolina Courage.

Starting Lineup We’d Like To See

This is who we want to lead the way for a championship come Sunday.

Keys To The Match

Hoy Es El Día: The Red Stars have been waiting for this game for a long time and have had to endure more than their fair share of trials in getting there. However, they lineup against North Carolina on Sunday they’ll have to stay committed to their game plan and that included a strong mental game in taking on the reigning champs.

Took the scenic route but this is the way: It’s been a season of balance for Chicago this season. They’ve had to navigate injuries to their roster, players out for the World Cup, and battling against losing streaks. Even up to this final match day, the Red Stars unfortunately find themselves without Tierna Davidson for this game due to a late ankle injury. Chicago will likely find themselves playing some old fashioned Red Stars soccer, which might sound disappointing for some, but is capable of beating a stacked Courage side.

That’s old news baby, this is today: After the Red Stars broke through on their semifinal win, the same message out of training sessions and the locker room was short and simple, that it was behind them. The team has expressed in their preparations for the Championship that getting through North Carolina in North Carolina was always a likely scenario for them to plan for. Well this is the day. Time to put words into action as we will likely witness a grudge match.

Players To Watch

North Carolina Courage: Crystal Dunn is always a menace in playoffs and against Chicago, but the Red Stars will have their hands full with Debinha as well.

Chicago Red Stars: They’re all good Red Stars.

How To Watch

Kickoff: Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 pm CT, in Cary, North Carolina

TV: ESPN

Stream: ESPN App

Wild Prediction

Por favor.

Final Thoughts

How long have you been waiting for this day? Any predictions? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments below!