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Chicago Stars vs. Bay FC: Aug 9 Showdown Preview & How to Stream
Chicago Stars FC Host Bay FC for Pride Match at Martin Stadium
Match Overview
Chicago Stars FC (4 wins, 14 losses, 0 draws, 12 points) are back home at Martin Stadium to face Bay FC (5 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws, 18 points) on Sunday, August 9. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. CT.
How to Watch
Stream the game live on NWSL+ — the league’s official streaming platform.
It’s a Pride Match Celebration!
This isn’t just a regular game — it’s the Stars Pride Match, presented by First Lady. The team is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a full day of special activities.
Free Giveaways at the Gates
When fans arrive, they’ll receive:
- A Chicago Stars × First Lady co-branded Pride captain’s hat
- A themed poster
- LaCroix thunder sticks (fun noisemakers!)
- Pride flags
- An exclusive Pride-themed patch (only available at this match)
Inside the Stadium
- Shop Pride merchandise at the Stars’ official store
- Pick up a Pride fanny pack if you bought the special ticket package
- Visit the Fan Zone (presented by Jameson) for:
- A Pride expo with local organizations
- A rainbow balloon photo op
- A "Show Your Pride" station
Game Day Tradition: The Steam Starter
Chicago has a unique pre-game ritual called the "Steam Starter" — inspired by the city’s gritty, blue-collar spirit.
How It Works:
- A special guest pulls a 6-foot steam whistle before kickoff
- Sound and steam blast out — signaling fans to "Clock In" (get loud, support the team!)
- The whistle also sounds after goals and wins
- After a win, the Star of the Match pulls the whistle one last time to "Clock Out"
This Match’s Special Guests:
- National Anthem: Performed by the Artemis Singers (Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus)
- Steam Starter: Monét X Change — alum from RuPaul’s Drag Race!
Recent Form: Both Teams Looking to Bounce Back
| Team | Last Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Stars | vs. Racing Louisville FC (away) | Lost 2–1 on Aug 1 |
| Bay FC | vs. Seattle Reign FC (home) | Lost 3–2 on Aug 1 |
Both teams are hungry for a win — this should be an intense matchup!
Meet the Coach: Martin Sjögren
Martin Sjögren (pronounced SHER-gren) is in his first season as Chicago’s head coach.
His Background:
- From Sweden
- 10+ years coaching in Swedish women’s soccer
- Former head coach of the Norwegian Women’s National Team
- First NWSL win: 2–1 vs. Kansas City Current (reigning Shield winners!) on March 22
Fun Fact:
Anders Jacobson (current assistant) served as interim coach in late 2025 before Sjögren arrived — helping build the team’s identity early.
Team Leaders (Through Week 15)
These players have logged over 1,000 minutes this season:
| Player | Minutes | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Staab (Defender) | 1,523 | Every single start (17/17), leads in touches (1,273), passes (968), clearances (110), blocks (22), interceptions (23) |
| Manaka Hayashi (Midfielder) | 1,139 | Team-high 31 tackles |
| Nádia Gomes (Forward) | 1,156 | Team-high 61 recoveries, 2 goals |
| Julia Grosso (Midfielder) | 1,108 | Team-high 18 chances created |
| Brianna Pinto (Midfielder) | 1,012 | Consistent two-way presence |
Top Scorers:
- Jordyn Huitema — 4 goals
- Nádia Gomes — 2 goals
Head-to-Head History
Chicago has the all-time edge vs. Bay FC:
- Record: 3 Wins – 1 Draw – 1 Loss (since 2024)
- Last meeting: Chicago won 1–0 at PayPal Park on May 24, 2026
Stars have won the only matchup this season — can they make it two?
Recent Milestones & Debuts
| Player | Milestone | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Leila Ouahabi (Defender) | First start since signing June 16 | Aug 1 vs. Louisville |
| Anna Gasper (Midfielder) | NWSL debut (77th min sub) — signed from Benfica (Portugal) July 9 | Aug 1 vs. Louisville |
| Bea Franklin (Midfielder) | First captain’s armband of 2026 (subbed on 68th min) | Aug 1 vs. Louisville |
New faces stepping up — great signs for squad depth!
Transfer News: Kathrin Hendrich Departs
Chicago Stars FC have transferred defender Kathrin Hendrich to FC Köln (Germany).
Her Time in Chicago:
- Signed: June 11, 2025 (after 5 seasons with Wolfsburg in Germany’s top league)
- NWSL debut: Aug 1, 2025 vs. Gotham FC
- 2025: Started 12 of 13 games
- 2026: Started 8 of 10 games
- Captained the team 4 times in 2026
The move allows Hendrich to return to Europe and continue her career closer to home. Best of luck, Kathrin!
Community Hero: Katie Atkinson Nominated for Impact Award
Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson is Chicago’s nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award (presented by Nationwide) — honoring outstanding off-field service and character.
Her Community Work:
- Partnering with: Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Why it matters: Nationally ranked for pediatric oncology; treats more kids with cancer/blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois
- Previous work: Was Racing Louisville’s nominee in 2024 (worked with Norton Children’s Hospital)
- Mission: Continue supporting pediatric oncology — now in Chicago
This award celebrates players who make a difference OFF the pitch — and Katie is a shining example.
Summary
- Chicago Stars FC host Bay FC at Martin Stadium on Aug 9 at 6 p.m. CT (stream on NWSL+)
- It’s the Pride Match — free giveaways, special merch, Fan Zone expo, drag queen Steam Starter!
- Both teams lost last weekend — extra motivation to win
- Coach Martin Sjögren (Sweden/Norway vet) in Year 1; beat defending champs KC Current for first win
- Sam Staab = ironwoman (every minute, every stat leader)
- Chicago leads series 3–1–1; won 1–0 in May
- Three milestones last game: Ouahabi 1st start, Gasper NWSL debut, Franklin 1st captain armband
- Kathrin Hendrich transferred to FC Köln (Germany)
- Katie Atkinson nominated for league’s top community service award
FAQ
1. What time does the game start and where can I watch?
Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 9. You can stream it live on NWSL+ (the league’s official streaming service).
2. What makes this a "Pride Match"?
The game celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with free Pride-themed giveaways (hats, flags, patches, posters), a Fan Zone expo with local orgs, a rainbow photo op, and special guests like the Artemis Singers (national anthem) and Monét X Change (Steam Starter).
3. What is the "Steam Starter" tradition?
Before kickoff, a guest pulls a giant 6-foot steam whistle — blasting steam and sound to tell fans to "Clock In" (get loud!). It also sounds after goals and wins. The Star of the Match pulls it at the end to "Clock Out."
4. Who are the key players to watch for Chicago?
- Sam Staab (defender): Plays every minute, leads team in almost every defensive stat
- Julia Grosso (midfielder): Team’s top playmaker (18 chances created)
- Jordyn Huitema (forward): Leading scorer with 4 goals
- Manaka Hayashi (midfielder): Most tackles (31)
5. Why did Kathrin Hendrich leave the team?
She was transferred to FC Köln in Germany so she can continue her career closer to home in Europe. She played 1.5 seasons for Chicago, started 20 games total, and wore the captain’s armband 4 times in 2026.
