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Chicago Stars vs Racing Louisville: Must-See Showdown!
Chicago Stars FC vs. Racing Louisville FC: Your Complete Match Preview Guide
Mark Your Calendar!
Who: Chicago Stars FC vs. Racing Louisville FC
When: Saturday, August 1 | Kickoff: 3:00 PM CT
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network (Stream on CBS Sports)
Match Overview: What’s Happening?
Think of this like two soccer teams trying to climb a ladder. Both teams are near the bottom right now, so this game is a huge chance to grab three points and move up!
| Team | Record (Wins-Losses-Draws) | Points | Current Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Stars FC | 4-12-0 | 12 pts | Lost last game 1-0 |
| Racing Louisville FC | 3-11-2 | 11 pts | Lost last game 5-1 |
ELI5 Explanation: In soccer, a win = 3 points, a draw (tie) = 1 point, and a loss = 0 points. Both teams are hungry for a win!
How to Watch
Simple as 1-2-3:
- Turn on your TV or device at 3:00 PM CT on Saturday
- Find CBS Sports Network
- Or stream live on the CBS Sports app/website
Recent Results: How Did They Play Last Time?
Chicago Stars FC
- Last Match: Friday, July 24 vs. Orlando Pride
- Result: Lost 1-0 at Inter&Co Stadium
- Key Moment: Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson made 10 saves (her season high!), including stopping a penalty kick from superstar Marta!
Racing Louisville FC
- Last Match: Wednesday, July 29 at Kansas City Current
- Result: Lost 5-1 on the road
- Note: That’s a tough loss—they’ll want to bounce back BIG at home.
Meet the Coach: Martin Sjögren
Chicago has a new captain steering the ship this season!
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Martin Sjögren (pronounced Mar-tin Shur-gren) |
| From | Sweden |
| Experience | 10+ years coaching in Sweden + led Norway’s Women’s National Team |
| First NWSL Win | March 22 vs. Kansas City Current (2-1) — the reigning Shield winners! |
| Right-Hand Man | Anders Jacobson (joined Aug 2025 as interim coach, now assistant) |
Fun Fact: The "NWSL Shield" goes to the team with the best regular-season record. Beating them in Game 1? Statement made.
Team Leaders: Who’s Running the Show? (After Week 14)
The Iron Wall: Sam Staab
- Minutes Played: 1,433 (started ALL 16 games!)
- Top Stats:
- 1,195 touches (most on team)
- 906 passes
- 106 clearances (kicking ball away from danger)
- 22 blocks
- 21 interceptions (stealing passes)
ELI5: "Clearances" = "Get this ball OUT of here!" "Interceptions" = "Thanks for the pass, I’ll take that!"
Other 1,000+ Minute Club Members
- Nádia Gomes: 1,066 mins | Team-high 56 recoveries (winning ball back)
- Julia Grosso: 1,063 mins | 18 chances created (setting up teammates)
- Manaka Hayashi: 1,048 mins
Defensive Stars
- Maitane: 30 tackles (most on team) — "Tackle" = cleanly taking the ball from opponent
- Katie Atkinson (GK): 10-save game vs. Orlando + PK save vs. Marta!
Attack Leaders
| Player | Role | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Jordyn Huitema | Forward | 4 Goals (team high) |
| Ryan Connaughton | Midfielder | 2 Assists (team high) |
| Julia Grosso | Midfielder | 18 Chances Created |
Head-to-Head History: Stars vs. Racing
Since Louisville joined the league in 2021:
| Chicago Stars | Racing Louisville | Draws |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Wins | 5 Wins | 2 Draws |
Last Meeting: October 10, 2025 → 1-1 Draw at Lynn Family Stadium (Louisville’s home)
Context: Louisville has the edge historically, but Chicago just beat the Shield winners. Anything can happen!
Milestones & Special Moments
Sam Staab: 5,000 Minutes in a Stars Jersey!
- Achieved July 24 vs. Orlando
- Signed with Chicago in 2024
- That’s A LOT of soccer — roughly 55 full games worth!
Katie Atkinson: Penalty Save vs. Marta!
- Marta = Brazilian legend, 6x World Player of the Year
- Atkinson stopped her PK in the 43rd minute
- Then made 10 total saves (season high)
Elise Evans: Pro Debut!
- Signed January 2026
- Made first pro appearance vs. Orlando
- Welcome to the big leagues!
Fresh Face: Anna Gasper — The German Engine
Signed: July 9 from Benfica (Portugal’s powerhouse)
Contract: Through 2027 + mutual option for 2028
Available: THIS WEEKEND vs. Louisville!
Why She’s a Big Deal
| Achievement | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| League Titles | 4 in a row with Benfica (Campeonato Nacional Feminino) | ||
| Champions League | 14 appearances in UEFA Women’s Champions League | ||
| Cups Won | Taça de Portugal (2023–24), Taça da Liga (2x), Supertaça de Portugal | ||
| Career Stats | 140+ games | 16 goals | Midfielder |
ELI5: She’s won everything in Portugal and played against Europe’s best. Now she brings that winning DNA to Chicago!
Community Impact: Katie Atkinson & The Lauren Holiday Award
Katie Atkinson = Chicago’s nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award (presented by Nationwide).
What’s the Award?
Honors an NWSL player for outstanding service & character OFF the field — in the community.
Katie’s Mission: Kids Fighting Cancer
| Partner | Details |
|---|---|
| Current (Chicago) | Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital |
| #1 ranked in Illinois for pediatric oncology (U.S. News) | |
| Treats more kids with cancer/blood disorders than any IL hospital | |
| Previous (Louisville, 2024) | Norton Children’s Hospital |
Heartwarming: Katie’s continuing her work with pediatric oncology — just in a new city. Sports > Soccer.
Quick Summary: Everything You Need to Know
| Category | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Match | Chicago (12 pts) @ Louisville (11 pts) — 6-pointer for bottom-table climb |
| Watch | CBS Sports Network / CBS Sports Stream — Sat Aug 1, 3 PM CT |
| Chicago Form | Lost 1-0 to Orlando, but Atkinson shone (10 saves, PK stop) |
| Louisville Form | Crushed 5-1 by KC — desperate for rebound at home |
| Coach | Sjögren 1st season — beat Shield winners in debut |
| Star Player | Sam Staab — ironwoman (5,000 mins, all 16 starts, defensive beast) |
| New Toy | Anna Gasper — 4x Portugal champ, UWCL vet, debuts this weekend |
| History | Louisville leads 5-3-2, but last was 1-1 draw |
| Good Vibes | Atkinson nominee for community award (kids’ cancer) |
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What does "4-12-0" mean exactly?
It’s Wins-Losses-Draws. Chicago has 4 wins, 12 losses, 0 ties. No draws all season — they either win or lose!
2. Why is Sam Staab playing every single minute so special?
In pro soccer, players get tired, injured, or rotated. Starting all 16 games at center back (the most running position) shows insane fitness, trust from coach, and durability.
3. What’s the "NWSL Shield" Sjögren beat in his first win?
It’s the trophy for best regular-season record (not the playoff champion). Kansas City won it last year — beating them was like the new kid knocking out the school champ on day one.
4. Can Anna Gasper really play this weekend? She just signed July 9!
Yes! The article confirms she "will be available for her first match this weekend." International transfers take paperwork, but she’s cleared and ready.
5. What’s a "recovery" in soccer stats? (Gomes has 56)
It’s when a player wins the ball back for their team — intercepting a pass, picking up a loose ball, or tackling cleanly. High recoveries = high work rate + good positioning.
Final Thought: This isn’t just a game between two struggling teams. It’s Chicago’s new era (Sjögren + Gasper) vs. Louisville’s pride at home — with a goalkeeper nominee changing kids’ lives off the field. Tune in Saturday at 3 PM CT!
