After an eventful home opener against Portland Thorns FC, the Chicago Red Stars welcome Reign FC this weekend and the home side is looking for its first win of the season.

While last weekend was wild and windy, the forecast for this match looks like it’ll be rainy and chilly. Although the history between these two teams is anything but chill, with both squads typically playing each other up close and personal.

Where We Last Saw Them

Chicago last played the Reign in Seattle back in August at their former home, Memorial Stadium. It was the first game of a three game road trip for the Red Stars, and Chicago arrived to the Pacific Northwest and a wildfire hazard warning. The air held a hazy and smoky backdrop due to wildfires in California, and the two teams eventually played to a 0-0 draw with Alyssa Naeher and Lydia Williams putting the goalkeeping skills on full display that evening.

Starting Lineup We’d Like To See

World Cup send off for U.S. National Team players so it’s a final game for some of these teammates to try and connect and establish chemistry before a long stretch of absence in the name of international duty. Looking for another game where Chicago’s front three can have a role in dictating the tone of the match.

Keys To The Match

Opportunities on Both Sides of the Ball: The Red Stars showed they can score, but they also saw foul goals conceeded against opposition. With the offense connecting it’ll be up to the backline to deal with players like Shae Groom trying to score on them.

Substitutions: In their last two matches, the Red Stars have seen their second half subs make an impact off the bench. This could be another game where a second half push from substitutions can show off Chicago’s depth in an effort to get a result.

Tempo: These two teams have a history of physical play between them and last season under a new coach in Vlatko Andonovski was no different. Last season matches were played closely with two 0-0 draws, and one 1-0 win for Chicago. Can’t forget this highlight of Colaprico going down during a match in July.

Players To Watch

Reign FC: No Megan Rapinoe in this match so look out for Shae Groom. When she’s healthy, she’s a menace for her team when playing in Bridgeview. Bev Yanez can disrupt a midfield while connecting for the attack, look out for an impact from her as well.

Chicago Red Stars: Alyssa Naeher. She’s had big games against Reign FC over the years, and will looking for another before she heads off for World Cup duty as USA’s number one goalkeeper. Katie Johnson could see time in this match against a former team of hers, and she’s surrounded with new friends. Could be a cool way to open her scoring account with Chicago.

How To Watch

Kickoff: Saturday, April 27th, 7pm CT at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL

Tv: NBC Sports Chicago (Check your local cable listings)

Stream: Yahoo Sports (Online or via App)

Wild Prediction

No weather delays

Final Thoughts

Who do you want to see play on Saturday? Do you think the Red Stars will get their first win of the season? Do you think the Red Stars will get their first win? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!