The Chicago Red Stars prepare for the NWSL Challenge Cup starting with Saturday night’s match against the Washington Spirit (9pm, CBS All Access). They will also face Portland, North Carolina, and Utah in the first round of the Challenge Cup.
The Red Stars return most of their squad who were league runners-up last season. However, one notable exception is Sam Kerr who left for Chelsea after 34 goals in 40 appearances for the Red Stars over two seasons. Indeed, it make take a couple of new additions such as Kealia Watt who is looking to regain the form that saw her tie for the league lead in scoring in 2016 while at Houston. The other main addition was Rachel Hill who was a draft day pickup from Orlando. Hill had a total of 26 goals in three seasons with both the Pride and the W-League’s Perth Glory.
All of the Red Stars’ federation players are back in goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Julie Ertz, Casey Short, Morgan Brian, and Tierna Davidson. However, despite being on the roster, Davidson appears to be a doubt due to an injury. Morgan Brian appears healthy again and looks set to contribute again in midfield. Ertz can contribute either in midfield or defense. Yuki Nagasato also returns after leading the league in assists last season. She will now be provided for Watt instead of Kerr this season and contribute some goals of her own as she scored eight last season.
All things considered, this is still a deep team even though its best striker from last season has gone. Their toughest opponents will continue to be the still very deep two-time defending champion North Carolina Courage and the Portland Thorns (though without Tobin Heath). The biggest question is where will the goals come from as they won’t be coming from Sam Kerr. Apart from that, similar form from last year’s runners-up season will have the Red Stars contended for the Cup this year.
