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.
