Chicago Red Stars vs. Utah Royals: Gameday Guide & How to Watch

Heading into the final round of group stage play at the NWSL Challenge Cup, seven of the eight teams are still battling for seeding position, trying to avoid being the team that has to play the North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinal.

Right now, with one point in eighth place, that team would be the Chicago Red Stars. A win Sunday night against the Utah Royals would put Chicago on four points, and could keep them out of the basement of the NWSL table.

After opening with three games in eight days, in which Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames split his squad into two and scripted his subs ahead of time, the Red Stars head into game four finally rested and ready. That means tonight’s lineup should be something close to the best the Red Stars have to offer, and it gives Dames the flexibility to let the game unfold.

“We won’t sub just to sub, like we did in the first three games. We’ll let the game dictate what we do,” Dames said in response to a question from Southside Trap’s Claire Watkins.

It also marks the first match between Chicago and Utah since former Red Stars assistant coach Craig Harrington took over as head coach of the Royals.

Depending on where the Red Stars land, their quarterfinal game won’t be until Friday, July 17 or Saturday, July 18.

Chicago Red Stars vs. Utah Royals FC

Sunday, July 12, 2020

NWSL Challenge Cup Game #4 | 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 TJ)

How do I watch this match?

If you live in the U.S., 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. That means if you remember to cancel, it’s only $6 to watch the rest of the Challenge Cup matches. If you like men’s soccer, CBS recently acquired the rights to the UEFA Champions League, and some of those matches will likely be streamed on CBS All Access.

If you live outside of North America, you can watch for free on Twitch.

Injuries

Red Stars: OUT Alyssa Mautz (Left knee), Arin Wright (Postpartum) QUESTIONABLE Yuki Nagasato (Left leg), Danielle Colaprico (Right ankle), Tierna Davidson (Left leg)

Royals: OUT: Desiree Scott (Personal) QUESTIONABLE: None

Some Light Pregame Reading

• You really should read this piece from the Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile about the team’s obsession with the card game NERTZ.
• Last time out, the Red Stars lost a close one to the North Carolina Courage. Here’s our recap.
• Kayla Sharples and Hannah Davison starred in central defense in the 0-0 draw with Portland. Here’s our recap of the match.
• Here’s our recap of the Red Stars’ 2-1 loss to the Spirit.
• TJ talked to Michele Vasconcelos about what it’s like brining her daughter with her into the “NWSL Village” for the tournament.

Jump in the comments below and start the conversation!