Chicago Stars FC (5-20-2, 17 pts) will take on Seattle Reign FC (12-11-4, 40 pts) for the second time this season on Sunday, October 18 at Martin Stadium during the club's Halloween celebration. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT on Roku Sports Channel. The Stars and the Reign will both be looking to get back in the win column.
Fans can stop by the Fan Zone, presented by Jameson, to sign up for a chance to compete in the halftime costume contest. Five adults and five children will be chosen for the on-field competition, which will be judged by Midnight Madness, the iconic Music Box's Rocky Horror shadowcast. Midnight Madness will be part of the prematch ceremonies as the evening’s Steam Starter.
Before kickoff, fans of all ages can participate in trick-or-treating around the Fan Zone, presented by Jameson. A fall-themed pumpkin patch photo station will also be available to commemorate the celebrations.
Stream: Roku Sports Channel
CHI: The Stars fell 3-0 to Denver Summit FC at Martin Stadium on Sunday, October 4.
SEA: The Reign fell 1-0 to North Carolina Courage at Lumen Field on Friday, October 2.
On October 8, Chicago Stars FC announced it acquired Zambia national team forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC through the 2027 NWSL season. Kundananji will occupy an international roster spot and joins Chicago in exchange for $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds. Kundananji is the first addition to the roster under new Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski.
Kundananji joins the Stars after playing three seasons with Bay FC, where she helped the club make the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural season. During her time with Bay FC, Kundananji started in 54 of 63 regular-season appearances for 4,902 minutes. She was Bay FC’s all-time scoring leader with 12 goals and 11 assists. Kundananji scored her first goal in her NWSL debut against Houston Dash on March 30, 2024.
Internationally, Kundananji made her senior international debut with Zambia in 2018 and has since become one of Zambia’s leading goal scorers. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Zambia made its tournament debut and was led by Kundananji with starts in all three matches and a goal in the nation’s first Women’s World Cup win as they defeated Costa Rica 3-1.
During the October international window, Michelle Alozie (Nigeria), Mallory Swanson (United States), Aaliyah Farmer (Mexico) and Rachael Kundananji (Zambia) were called up to play for their national teams. Swanson returned to the pitch for the USWNT after 710 days since going on maternity leave. The forward also recorded her 39th goal in a 2-2 draw against Spain to tie Lindsey Heaps for the most goals by an active player since she made her national team debut in 2016.
On Sept. 17, Chicago Stars FC announced the club has added Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience as a sporting director, multiple-time NWSL Coach of the Year and champion, NWSL Shield winner, and U.S. Women’s National Team head coach, Andonovski will lead all technical and sporting initiatives at the club including working closely with the head coach on roster building, on-field strategy, scouting, transfers, and player development.
On August 12, Karina Báez was named as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season, leading the Stars for the first time during the team’s match at Seattle on Aug. 14.
Now in her third season with the club, Báez previously focused primarily on analytics as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the Stars, Báez worked as a scout for the Mexico Women’s National Team, bringing extensive experience in player evaluation and match analysis. Before her national team role, Báez spent several years in Liga MX Femenil, serving as an assistant coach with both Pachuca and Tigres while also contributing to the development of each club’s U-15 and U-17 programs. In 2021, she was named head coach of Pumas UNAM Femenil, leading the team through the 2021-22 season and further establishing herself as one of the rising coaching talents in Mexican women’s soccer.
After week 24, Sam Staab leads the Stars with 2,378 minutes played, including 26 starts and appearances in all of Chicago’s 27 matches. Staab also leads the squad with 1,921 touches, 1,456 passes, 159 clearances, 33 blocks and 31 interceptions. Maitane leads Chicago with 29 tackles won while Nádia Gomes leads with 101 recoveries. Offensively, Julia Grosso leads Chicago with 22 chances created, while Gomes leads with 17 shots. Jordyn Huitema leads with four goals, followed by Gomes, Grosso and Swanson with two apiece.
The Stars have a 12-11-9 advantage over Seattle Reign FC dating back to 2012. Chicago last faced Seattle earlier this season on August 14 at Lumen Field and fell 1-0.
Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was announced by the league as the Chicago Stars’ nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, which recognizes an NWSL Player for outstanding service and character off the pitch and in the community. Atkinson will team up with Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The center is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for pediatric oncology and treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois. Before joining the Chicago Stars, Atkinson was previously Racing Louisville FC’s nominee for the 2024 edition of the award, partnering with another local children’s hospital, Norton Children’s. Lund worked extensively with pediatric oncology organizations throughout her time in Louisville and plans to continue doing so in Chicago, beginning with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Lurie Children’s.
Chicago Stars FC today acquired Zambia national team forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC through the 2027 NWSL season. Kundananji will occupy an international roster spot and joins Chicago in exchange for $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds. Kundananji is the first addition to the roster under new Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski.
"Racheal is a proven goal scorer and a fierce competitor, and we’re thrilled to add a player of her quality to our roster,” said Chicago Stars Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski. “Her accomplishments at the league and international levels are a testament to her standards and work ethic, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make on our team as we build for 2027 and beyond.”
“Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honor,” said Kundananji. “I can't wait to step onto the pitch and work hard to help the team. I’m super excited and looking forward to meeting our amazing fans, and to give everything I have for this badge.”
Kundananji joins the Stars after playing three seasons with Bay FC, where she helped the club make the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural season. During her time with Bay FC, Kundananji started in 54 of 63 regular-season appearances for 4,902 minutes. She is Bay FC’s all-time scoring leader with 12 goals and 11 assists. Kundananji scored her first goal in her NWSL debut against Houston Dash on March 30, 2024.
Prior to joining Bay FC at the beginning of the 2024 season, Kundananji played with Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino from 2022 to 2024. In her first season with Madrid CFF, she appeared in 29 matches and finished second in the league with 25 goals, including a brace against Real Sociedad and Barcelona and a hat trick against Alhama CF. During the 2023-24 season, Kundananji made 11 starts in 14 appearances and recorded eight goals and two assists.
Internationally, Kundananji made her senior international debut with Zambia in 2018 and has since become one of Zambia’s leading goal scorers. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Zambia made its tournament debut and was led by Kundananji with starts in all three matches and a goal in the nation’s first Women’s World Cup win as they defeated Costa Rica 3-1.
After helping Zambia qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Kundananji scored twice against Australia during the group stage of the competition. In 2025, Kundananji earned five call-ups to the national team and scored nine goals to help lead Zambia reach the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In 2026, Kundananji led Zambia to win the Four Nations tournament with a goal and an assist in the game-winning match against Malawi. Kundananji also scored one goal against Egypt in the opening match of the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
Kundananji is currently with Zambia as they take on Uganda in a qualifying match for the 2028 Summer Olympics. She will then join Chicago for its penultimate home match of the season against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, October 18, at 6 p.m. CT.
Chicago Stars FC fell 3-0 to Denver Summit FC at Martin Stadium on Sunday evening.
Chicago Stars FC’s penultimate home match of 2026 takes place on October 18, when the club hosts Seattle Reign FC at Martin Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
Chicago Stars FC today announced that the club and defender Leila Ouahabi have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing her to pursue other opportunities. Ouahabi joined the Stars in July after playing four seasons with Manchester City.
During her time with the Stars, Ouahabi made nine starts in 11 appearances for 838 minutes. Ouahabi made her debut for the Stars at Martin Stadium on July 18 against Angel City FC.
“We’d like to thank Leila for her professionalism and contributions to our club during her time in Chicago,” said Chicago Stars Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski. “After conversations with Leila, we mutually agreed that this was the right step for both sides. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.”
The Chicago Stars return home to Martin Stadium this afternoon as the team begins its final homestand of the season against Denver Summit FC at 3 p.m. CT during its Nuestra Ciudad celebrations for Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. Tickets for all remaining Chicago Stars home matches as well as 2027 season ticket deposits are available at chicagostars.com/tickets.
Chicago Stars FC (5-19-2, 17 pts) will return home to take on Denver Summit FC (9-9-8, 35 pts) for the second time this season on Sunday, October 4 during the club's Nuestra Ciudad match. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. The Stars and the Summit will both be looking to get back in the win column.
A celebration of the Hispanic and Latino communities that make up key parts of Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape, Chicago Stars FC’s Nuestra Ciudad match has plenty in store for fans. Fans can receive an exclusive Chicago Stars-themed lotería set through a special ticket package, paying homage to the longstanding traditional game. In addition to the theme patch giveaway on Oct. 4, the first 1,000 fans in the gates will receive an exclusive Nuestra Ciudad-themed poster made by local artist Rodrigo Oñate.
Fans can also head to the Fan Zone, presented by Jameson, where they can take part in a special traditional Mexican hair braiding station, as well as find samplings of Jameson and LaCroix products. Adding to the fun activities featured at every match, fans can commemorate the event with a photo booth and find two special merchandise items, available exclusively at the match. A portion of proceeds from the limited-edition Nuestra Ciudad themed shirts, designed by local artist Ashley Huicochea, as well as a Juntos Sobresalimos themed scarf, will benefit the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Ballet Folklorico de Chicago will perform in the Fan Zone, presented by Jameson, prematch and at halftime, bringing Mexican folkloric dance to the match. Fans can also look forward to seeing Steam Starter Angelina Victoria and Mexican-American and Chicago native Rosalba Valdez perform the national anthem prematch.
Stream: CBS Sports Network
CHI: The Stars fell 3-1 to Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Friday, September 25.
DEN: The Summit fell 4-1 to the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium on Saturday, September 26.
During Chicago’s last match against Gotham FC on September 25, Julia Grosso recorded her 50th NWSL start, all of which have come in a Stars jersey. Micayla Johnson recorded her first professional assist on Tessa Dellarose’s second goal of the season.
On Sept. 17, Chicago Stars FC announced the club has added Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience as a sporting director, multiple-time NWSL Coach of the Year and champion, NWSL Shield winner, and U.S. Women’s National Team head coach, Andonovski will lead all technical and sporting initiatives at the club including working closely with the head coach on roster building, on-field strategy, scouting, transfers, and player development.
On August 12, Karina Báez was named as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season, leading the Stars for the first time during the team’s match at Seattle on Aug. 14.
Now in her third season with the club, Báez previously focused primarily on analytics as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the Stars, Báez worked as a scout for the Mexico Women’s National Team, bringing extensive experience in player evaluation and match analysis. Before her national team role, Báez spent several years in Liga MX Femenil, serving as an assistant coach with both Pachuca and Tigres while also contributing to the development of each club’s U-15 and U-17 programs. In 2021, she was named head coach of Pumas UNAM Femenil, leading the team through the 2021-22 season and further establishing herself as one of the rising coaching talents in Mexican women’s soccer.
After week 23, Sam Staab leads the Stars with 2,288 minutes played, including 25 starts and appearances in all of Chicago’s 26 matches. Staab also leads the squad with 1,864 touches, 1,409 passes, 154 clearances, 33 blocks and 31 interceptions. Maitane leads Chicago with 29 tackles won while Nádia Gomes leads with 94 recoveries. Offensively, Julia Grosso leads Chicago with 22 chances created, while Gomes leads with 15 shots. Jordyn Huitema leads with four goals, followed by Gomes, Grosso and Swanson with two apiece.
Chicago and Denver will face off for the second time since the Summit joined the NWSL this season. During the first matchup earlier this season, Chicago fell 6-1 at Centennial Stadium.
Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was announced by the league as the Chicago Stars’ nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, which recognizes an NWSL Player for outstanding service and character off the pitch and in the community. Atkinson will team up with Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The center is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for pediatric oncology and treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois. Before joining the Chicago Stars, Atkinson was previously Racing Louisville FC’s nominee for the 2024 edition of the award, partnering with another local children’s hospital, Norton Children’s. Lund worked extensively with pediatric oncology organizations throughout her time in Louisville and plans to continue doing so in Chicago, beginning with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Lurie Children’s.
Chicago Stars FC will participate in the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI), powered by Fundamental, during the club’s 2027 preseason preparations. The tournament will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from January 30 to February 13 for its sixth consecutive preseason soccer event. CVI will host nearly half of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, creating the largest preseason gathering in North American professional soccer.
NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2027 Coachella Valley Invitational: Angel City FC, Bay FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver Summit FC, KC Current, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, and Utah Royals FC.
MLS clubs currently committed to the 2027 Coachella Valley Invitational: Austin FC, Charlotte FC, D.C. United, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Minnesota United FC, Portland Timbers, San Diego FC, San Jose Earthquakes, St. Louis CITY SC, and Toronto FC.
*Full schedule of matchups to be released at a later date
Advance Passes for all event dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 1 at 10 a.m. PT at coachellavalleyinvitational.com. Advance General Admission (GA) Single-Day Passes will start at just $23, while Advance GA Weekend Passes for February 6-7 will start at $51. Advance pricing will be available only until the full match schedule is released, with savings varying by date.
The Chicago Stars will announce additional preseason details at a later date. The Stars will begin their final homestand of the 2026 season on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. CT as the club hosts Denver Summit FC during its ‘Nuestra Ciudad’ Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Tickets for all remaining 2026 Chicago Stars home matches and information on 2027 season ticket deposits can be found at chicagostars.com/tickets.