It wasn’t enough for the Chicago Red Stars to have an exciting 4-4 draw in their home opener, the thrills kept coming for Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview as some late April snow played a role in their match against Reign FC

Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 28th, inclement weather forced the game into a last minute postponement for the very next day on Sunday where the Red Stars beat Reign FC 3-0.

Here’s some things we learned over the weekend.

Days like these show you what you’re made of

While the weather related events were being monitored by many, the lead up the postponement was something to behold. Prior to kick off, the pitch appeared largely unscathed by the icy snow, but that quickly changed within the hour as players began warm-ups.

Players, Head Coach Rory Dames, and even ownership got involved trying to clear the pitch, albeit taking different approaches.

Although players were hoping to play, as stated by NWSL players association president Brooke Elby in post game comments, the field was far too dangerous to put players at risk, and ultimately rescheduled for the next day.

Kudos to the players for wanting to get in a match on a short week coming up as the Red Stars head to Utah for a match this Friday.

Impact Chicago

This match was billed was a World Cup send off for U.S. National Team players, who will be gone through a large stretch of games in this NWSL season, and a handful of them got the start in this match.

Lineups were the same from the day prior for both teams, with a notable start for Morgan Brian in the midfield, while Sarah Gorden stepped in with Arin Wright out this week, but filled in at center back as Tierna Davidson got her first start at left back for Chicago, with Casey Short out on the right. Sam Kerr, Yuki Nagasato, and Katie Johnson get another start together again as they continued to build off last week’s match.

While Nagasato had a big game racking up an assist and getting on the scoresheet with a long distance chip shot, and while they didn’t score the goals, Kerr and Johnson had a role in stretching the back line and forcing defenders off their lines.

Vanessa DiBernardo, Michelle Vasconcelos, and Brooke Elby subbed into the match in the second half, with Vasconcelos and Elby connecting for Chicago’s third goal, continuing the Red Stars trend of reliable depth off the bench.

Match Week

Look out for our preview this week as Red Stars head to Utah to face the Royals this Friday with their team connecting on offense.