Chicago Stars FC vs Bay FC: Your Complete Match Preview for August 9

What’s Happening?

Chicago Stars FC is getting ready to host Bay FC at Martin Stadium on Sunday, August 9 at 6:00 PM CT. This is their second meeting this season, and both teams are looking to bounce back from losses last weekend.

Mark Your Calendar

• Date: Sunday, August 9
• Time: 6:00 PM CT
• Location: Martin Stadium
• Watch on: NWSL+

It’s a Special Pride Match!

This isn’t just any regular game—it’s the Stars Pride Match presented by First Lady! The team is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with tons of fun activities:

Free Stuff at the Gates

When you arrive, you’ll get:

• Chicago Stars & First Lady co-branded Pride captain’s hat
• Themed poster
• LaCroix thunder sticks
• Pride flags
• Match-exclusive Pride-themed patch

Inside the Stadium

• Shop exclusive Pride merchandise
• Pick up your Pride fanny pack (if you bought the special ticket package)
• Visit the Fan Zone (presented by Jameson) for:
  • Pride expo with local organizations
  • Rainbow balloon photo spot
  • "Show Your Pride" station

Pre-Game Entertainment

• National Anthem: Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus, the Artemis Singers
• Steam Starter: RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Monét X Change

What’s a "Steam Starter"?
It’s a Chicago tradition! A 6-foot steam whistle gets pulled before kickoff, blasting sound and steam to tell fans to "Clock In" — get loud and support the team! The whistle also sounds after goals and wins. The "Star of the Match" pulls it one last time to "Clock Out" after the game.

How to Watch

How Both Teams Did Last Week

Chicago Stars FC (4-14-0, 12 points)

• Lost 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC
• Where: Lynn Family Stadium
• When: Saturday, August 1

Bay FC (5-9-3, 18 points)

• Lost 3-2 to Seattle Reign FC
• Where: Home stadium
• When: Saturday, August 1

Both teams are hungry for a win! Neither side wants two losses in a row.

Meet Coach Martin Sjögren

Martin Sjögren is in his first season as Chicago’s head coach. Here’s his story:

1. Hired: Late last year
2. Background: 10+ years coaching in Sweden
3. Big Role: Led the Norwegian Women’s National Team
4. First NWSL Win: Beat the Kansas City Current (reigning shield winners!) 2-1 on March 22
5. Assistant Coach: Anders Jacobson joined in August 2025 as interim coach, helping build the team’s identity before Sjögren arrived

Team Leaders (After Week 15)

These players have logged over 1,000 minutes this season:

Top Scorers:

1. Jordyn Huitema — 4 goals
2. Nádia Gomes — 2 goals

Head-to-Head History

Chicago Stars lead 3-1-1 against Bay FC (since 2024)

• Most Recent: Chicago won 1-0 at PayPal Park on May 24, 2026
• Watch those highlights!

Big Milestones from Last Game

Leila Ouahabi

• First start in a Stars jersey since signing June 16
• Played against Racing Louisville on August 1

Anna Gasper

• NWSL Debut in the 77th minute vs Louisville
• Signed July 9 from Benfica (Portuguese powerhouse)

Bea Franklin

• Wore captain’s armband for first time this season
• Subbed on for Brianna Pinto in the 68th minute

Kathrin Hendrich Transfer News

Chicago Stars FC has transferred defender Kathrin Hendrich to FC Köln (Germany).

Her Time in Chicago:

Why the move? It lets her return to Europe and continue her career closer to home.

Lauren Holiday Impact Award Nominee

Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson is Chicago’s nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award (presented by Nationwide).

What’s this award?

Recognizes an NWSL player for outstanding service and character off the field in their community.

Katie’s Community Work:

• Partnering with: Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
• Hospital Ranking: Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for pediatric oncology
• Impact: Treats more children with cancer/blood disorders than any other Illinois hospital
• Previous Work: Was Racing Louisville’s nominee in 2024 (partnered with Norton Children’s)
• Mission: Continue pediatric oncology advocacy in Chicago

Quick Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time should I get to the stadium for the Pride giveaways?

Arrive early! Gate giveaways (hats, posters, thunder sticks, flags, patches) happen when fans arrive. The sooner you’re there, the better your chance at getting everything.

2. Do I need a special ticket for the Pride fanny pack?

Yes! You must have purchased the special Pride Match ticket package to receive the fanny pack. Regular tickets don’t include it.

3. Who is Monét X Change?

She’s a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum (winner of All Stars 4!) serving as the Steam Starter — she’ll pull the giant steam whistle to "Clock In" the crowd before kickoff.

4. Why did Kathrin Hendrich leave mid-season?

The club transferred her to FC Köln in Germany so she can be closer to home in Europe. She was a German international who played 5 seasons with Wolfsburg before joining Chicago.

5. Can I watch the game for free?

The game streams on NWSL+, which requires a subscription. Check their website for current pricing and any free trial offers.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday has everything: a crucial match between two teams needing wins, a vibrant Pride celebration with free swag and drag entertainment, historic rivalries, player milestones, and community impact recognition. Whether you’re at Martin Stadium or watching on NWSL+, it’s going to be a memorable night for Chicago Stars FC!

Go Stars!