By Jeff Vorva
correspondent
After a seven-week break, the NWSL returns to active play this weekend.
Due to a collective bargaining agreement-mandated break in play and the Summer Olympics in Paris, the league has not played any games since July 7.
The Chicago Red Stars (7-7-2) will return to action on Saturday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium when they visit Louisville (3-6-7). The Stars will visit Angel City on Sunday, September 1st at 3 p.m. at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles before returning to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for the first time in more than two months to face Orlando on Sunday, September 8th at 5 p.m.
The match against Orlando is called the “Welcome Home Match” and marks the return of 2024 Olympic gold medalists Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson (USA), silver medalist Ludmila (Brazil) and Canadian national team midfielder Julia Grosso.
Grosso and Ludmila signed with Chicago in July and will wear the Red Stars crest for the first time in the home game against Orlando.
Opening a clinic
A Chicago Red Stars Match Day Clinic presented by Wintrust begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 8 at SeatGeek Stadium before the Tram hosts Orlando.
Match Day Clinic participants will have the opportunity to hone their technical soccer skills, participate in a Q&A session with a Red Stars player and gain game entry. Parents can register their children and more information can be found at chicagoredstars.com/camps-clinics.
The event will feature a host of activities in the Fan Zone at SeatGeek Stadium before kick-off. The Fan Zone will be located in Gate C and will open one hour before kick-off. The Kids Korner will feature special games and live music. The first 1,000 ticketed fans to enter the stadium will receive an exclusive Red Stars scarf.
New Vice President
Sara Arnold has been appointed Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Red Stars.
Arnold has spent the last four years in Arizona working on major events, including Super Bowl LVII and the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Prior to her work in Arizona, Arnold spent 10 years with the Atlanta Braves in corporate partnerships.
