The Chicago Red Stars are back! With the World Cup underway, there was a quick scheduled stop in NWSL for an international break. Along with the World Cup break, the Red Stars headed into their bye week, and are finally back at home to continue their season on their promotional ‘Bark in the Park’ night.

The club even made a bit of news after announcing a trade with Sky Blue FC leading into the weekend, as they welcome Savanna McCaskill to Chicago. Red Stars are looking to get back into the win column after losing two games prior to their break. Chicago will get the chance to do that as they take on Reign FC this Sunday.

Where We Last Saw Them

Red Stars played Reign FC earlier this season back in April where they won, 3-0. Originally scheduled for April 26th, the game was postponed to the following day after a some April snow showers made field conditions less than ideal to play on as ice formed on the pitch. The following day held sunny weather and three goals from Casey Short, Yuki Nagasato, and Brooke Elby for the Red Stars.

Starting Lineup We’d Like To See

Hopefully the rest did some good for players with nagging injuries. While it’s exciting to have a player like McCaskill on the roster now, it’s possible we’ll see her as a sub.

Keys To The Match

Contain The Dragon: This Reign FC team has looked different, and more lethal, with the return of Jess Fishlock. Her ability to muscle the mid and find her teammates could potentially frustrate the Red Stars, they’ll want to disrupt her possession and time on the ball.

Balance Balcer and not conceding in general: Reign FC coach Vlatko Andonovski brought on Bethany Balcer as a trialist and she has provided the Reign with goals this season. The backline will want to make sure they keep things organized in an effort to help Emily Boyd get that shout out that has eluded her for five matches now.

Literally Score Goals: This team is more than capable of it. And yet, there have been zero in the month of June. Break over, back home, the time is now.

Players To Watch

Reign FC: Jess Fishlock, of course. And Casey Murphy. The young Goalkeeper signed with Reign FC back in May, and if the Red Stars want to end their scoring drought, they have to get past the 6’1 keeper.

Chicago Red Stars: Yuki Nagasato, who had one of the better goals this year against Reign FC, and Danielle Colaprio. We just want to see the shortest player score on the tallest player.

How To Watch

Kickoff: Sunday, June 23 at 5 p.m. CT at Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Stream: Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports App

Wild Prediction

Looks like literal Rain on the forecast for this weekend, but no worries, Red Stars have thrived in less than sunny conditions.

Final Thoughts

Have you missed the Red Stars? Are you bringing your dog? Are they a good dog? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments below!