With both the Fire and Red Stars back in action, it’s time to serve some deep dish on both teams and add some additional toppings.
THOUGHTS ON THE FIRE: The big local story was the Fire’s return to Soldier Field–this time with fans in the stands. It did make for some great atmosphere, yet the club is at times mimicking Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 1990s and 2000s when just about everything about Wolves screamed Premier League–except for the on-pitch product.
The Fire got off to a fast start against New England, but saw it evaporate almost as fast. The Fire have done a lot off the pitch in their quest to return to relevance in a crowded sporting landscape such as moving back to Soldier Field, having their games televised on WGN-TV, and listening to their fans after the new logo didn’t go over well. However, the on-field product is still a bit behind and there are still some bugs to work out in terms of shutting off at bad times and expected goals not turning into actual goals (2.2 was the xG in case you were wondering).
The Fire took a gamble on continuity hoping that a year without so much turnover will result in the team being a year better. There’s still time where that can happen, and they are not helped by injuries, but they need to learn how to win as we know they have learned how to be at least competitive.
THOUGHTS ON THE RED STARS: Two matches, one point, and zero goals is the current record for the Red Stars in the NWSL Challenge Cup and making the Cup Final is now a long shot thanks to the home loss to Portland. The dubious drinking game is back where people take a drink (preferably not alcoholic) every time the commentators mention Sam Kerr who is now at Chelsea. Right now, it’s been once per game, but the lack of goals is disconcerting. Yes, they are missing Alyssa Naeher, Julie Ertz, and Tierna Davidson; but just about every team in the league is missing players due to national team duty.
Kealia Watt was brought into to score goals, but has yet to do so this season, will need to do so when the regular season rolls around if the Red Stars are going to contend. A healthy Mallory Pugh will help. A more in-form Morgan Gautrat will help. While two NWSL Challenge Cups and a short Fall Series is not the best sample size to determine how the Red Stars would fare without Sam Kerr, the observations we are getting are not encouraging. What would be encouraging is if the Red Stars can rebound on Wednesday against Kansas City and on April 27th at OL Reign to at least finish with a decent record and take momentum into the regular season.
RED STARS MATCH POSTPONED: The Red Stars were to play Kansas City on Tuesday night, but due to impending snow in the forecast, the match has been postponed to Wednesday at 5:30pm and will still be streamed on Paramount+.
Two years ago, the Red Stars’ match against OL Reign at SeatGeek Stadium was postponed 15 minutes prior to kickoff due to snow and player safety concerns. That match was played the next day with the Red Stars winning, 3-0.
Chicago Fire
Chicago Red Stars
