The Chicago Red Stars head west as they prepare to take on Portland Thorns FC in their next match. It’ll be the final game for the Red Stars before NWSL takes a break for the upcoming World Cup.

The Red Stars are trying to close out their first 8 weeks with a result on the road, after suffering a 2-0 loss at home to Washington Spirit. It was the Red Stars’ first match missing Australian superstar Sam Kerr, along with their US National Team players. While points on the road before a break is the ideal goal, it won’t be easy for the team. The Red Stars haven’t won in Providence Park in several seasons.

Where We Last Saw Them

Chicago and Portland last played each other back in April. It was a thrilling 4-4 draw as both sides earned a point on the day. Yuki Nagasato collected a brace on the day as Sam Kerr and Michele Vasconcelos each tallied a goal themselves.

Starting Lineup We’d Like To See

We’ll have to wait and see if the Red Stars are going to make any adjustments to their formation as they lineup against Portland. Danielle Colaprico’s absence last week against Washington was huge, so if she’s kept out as a precaution again we might see something other than their usual 4-3-3. However, we fans of their 4-3-3 here at Hot Time and hope they’ll keep it going even with their heavy hitters off on international duty, with Vanessa DiBernardo in the 10, of course.

Keys To The Match

A Chance To Show Off Your Mental Game: The Red Stars two losses on the season so far showed the team visibly frustrated during those results. Playing down a woman to Utah and then not being able to breakthrough the net against Washington were both examples of Chicago’s most recent frustrations. This might be a bigger test for the team thus far as this match is Portland’s home opener. Thorns have played on the road the last 7 weeks and are looking to christen their newly installed chairs with a win. They’ll be missing superstars too, but will try and make up for talent in noise and volume. Keep it cool.

Just get the offense some confidence: To start this season the Red Stars diversified their goal scoring with several different players getting goals. Along with Kerr - Nagasato, Vasconcelos, and Elby have been able to get their names on the scoreboard. And while everyone is excited to have a player like Katie Johnson on the team, that doesn’t mean the offense should live and die on her offensive capability. While Johnson has yet to open her goal scoring account with Chicago, it’ll take more than one player to get a result

Players To Watch

Portland Thorns FC: Meghan Klingenberg had a big game out last time these two teams met, we expect she’ll try an have another impact this match fueled by the home opener.

Chicago Red Stars: Casey Short. She’s been lights out the last 4 weeks, the team will need her experience this weekend under Portland’s new seats.

How To Watch

Kickoff: Sunday, June 2nd, at 2pm CT, at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Stream: Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports App

Wild Prediction

No win at Providence Park nearly forever? How about now?

Final Thoughts

Do you think Chicago gets a win against Portland this weekend? Who do you want to see score for the Red Stars? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!