Chicago Red Stars vs. Washington Spirit: Game Day Guide & How to Watch

Live sports are back! The Chicago Red Stars open the group stage of the NWSL Challenge Cup tonight against the Washington Spirit.

Tonight’s game is kind of a cross between a season opener and a preseason match. Yes, we’re all excited the Red Stars are back, but it’s important to remember the team has yet to play a game at all in 2020. Head Coach Rory Dames told reporters the first two matches will be entirely “scripted,” meaning barring an injury, he already knows who will start, and which subs will enter the game at which times.

With Orlando out of the tournament, all eight remaining teams will make the quarterfinal. These opening games are about getting a look at as many players as possible, while keeping everyone healthy.

With the exception of Tierna Davidson who is injured, all the USWNT players on both teams are available for this one - Julie Ertz, Morgan Brian, Alyssa Naeher and Casey Short from Chicago, and Rose Lavelle from Washington.

Chicago Red Stars vs. Washington Pride

Saturday, June 27, 2020

NWSL Challenge Cup Game #1 | Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah

Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. CT

Streaming: CBS All Access (see the note below for some tips)

Live Tweets: @HotTimeOldTown (by Red Stars editor TJ Zaremba)

How do I watch this?

You’ll need to have a CBS All Access subscription to watch this tournament. You get one week for free, and then it’s $6 a month. The tournament is a month long, so if you remember to actually cancel, it’s only $6. Some Chase customers are seeing a 50% offer in their “Chase offers,” and Red Stars season ticket holders got a similar coupon. Between games, you can binge watch Cheers and NCIS.

Another note on this: When you actually sign up, search for “soccer” to find the match. I tried searching NWSL and Red Stars, and nope. You have to search “soccer.”

Injuries

Red Stars: Out - Tierna Davidson (left leg), Alyssa Mautz (knee), Arin Wright (postpartum) Questionable - Zoe Redei (Right thigh), Danielle Colaprico (right ankle)

Spirit: Out - Crystal Thomas (right quad) Questionable - Brooke Hendrix (left ankle), Jaye Boissiere (Right hip)

Some Light Pregame Reading

• TJ talked to Michele Vasconcelos about what it’s like brining her daughter with her into the “NWSL Village” for the tournament.
• Rory Dames talked to reporters about the match, where he was absolutely raving about Kealia Watt.
• And, TJ ranked all of the new NWSL jerseys ahead of the tournament.

Lineups

Start the discussion in the comments below!