Preview

Recap

Chicago Stars FC

4-13-0

Previous Result

The Stars fell 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, August 1.

Bay FC

5-9-3

Previous Result

Bay FC fell 3-2 at home to Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, August 1.

Match Preview

Chicago Stars FC (4-13-0, 12 pts) will return to Martin Stadium to take on Bay FC (5-9-3, 18 pts) for the second time this season on Sunday, August 9. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT on NWSL+. The Stars and Bay will both look to get back in the win column on Sunday.

The Stars Pride match, presented by First Lady, will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with special activations throughout matchday. When fans arrive, they will be treated to multiple gate giveaways, including a Chicago Stars and First Lady co-branded Pride captain’s hat, a themed poster, LaCroix thunder sticks and pride flags in addition to the match-exclusive Pride-themed patch. Inside the gates, fans can shop the Stars’ Pride merchandise and pick up their Pride fanny pack if they purchased the match’s special ticket package. After heading to the Fan Zone, presented by Jameson, fans will find a Pride expo with tabling from local organizations, a rainbow balloon photo op and a “Show Your Pride” station.

The pitch will also be action-packed prior to kickoff, with Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus, the Artemis Singers, performing the national anthem and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Monét X Change featuring as the match’s Steam Starter. A matchday tradition inspired by the city’s grit and blue-collar mentality, the Steam Starter pulls a 6-foot steam whistle before kickoff, blasting sound and steam to signal fans to “Clock In” — get loud and go to work for the team. The whistle is also activated after goals and wins, with the player who won Star of the Match delivering the final pull to “Clock Out.”

Where to Watch

Stream: NWSL+

Sjögren at the Helm

After being announced as Chicago’s new head coach late last year, Martin Sjögren’s first season with the Stars is underway. The Swede arrives in Chicago after more than a decade coaching at various Swedish teams and a stint at the helm of the Norwegian Women’s National Team. Sjögren earned his first NWSL win in a 2-1 victory over the reigning NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current on Sunday, March 22. Current assistant coach Anders Jacobson previously joined the Stars in August 2025 as interim head coach ahead of Sjögren's arrival, setting the foundation for what would become the team’s identity under the duo.

Team Leaders

After week 15, Sam Staab (1,523), Nádia Gomes (1,156), Julia Grosso (1,108), Manaka Hayashi (1,139) and Brianna Pinto (1,012) have all played over 1,000 minutes for the Stars this season. Staab has started in all of Chicago’s 17 matches and leads the squad with 1273 touches, 968 passes, 110 clearances, 22 blocks and 23 interceptions. Hayashi leads the Stars with 31 tackles while Gomes leads with 61 recoveries. Offensively, Grosso leads Chicago with 18 chances created, while Jordyn Huitema leads with four goals followed by Gomes with two goals.

Here’s the History

The Stars have a 3-1-1 advantage over Bay FC dating back to 2024. Chicago captured a 1-0 victory over Bay earlier this season at PayPal Park on May 24.

Milestones

During Chicago’s last match at Racing Louisville FC on August 1, defender Leila Ouahabi made her first start in a Stars jersey since being signed by Chicago on June 16. Midfielder Anna Gasper, who signed with the Stars on July 9 from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, made her NWSL debut in the 77th minute against Louisville. On Saturday, Bea Franklin wore the captain’s arm band for the first time this season after subbing on for Brianna Pinto in the 68th minute.

Kathy Transfer

Chicago Stars FC announced that the club has transferred defender Kathrin Hendrich to FC Köln, allowing her to return to Europe and continue her career closer to home. Hendrich signed with Chicago on June 11, 2025 after playing five seasons with Wolfsburg in the Frauen Bundesliga. The German international made her NWSL debut in Chicago on August 1, 2025 against Gotham FC. Through the remainder of the 2025 season, Hendrich started in 12 of 13 games played. During the 2026 season, Hendrich started in eight out of 10 matches played and has worn the captain’s armband in four matches for Chicago.

Lauren Holiday Impact Award

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

Scoring Summary:

N/A

Disciplinary Report:

N/A

Lineup:

Katie Atkinson, Leila Ouahabi, Tessa Dellarose, Aaliyah Farmer, Taylor Wood (57’ Micayla Johnson), Maitane, Nádia Gomes, Jameese Joseph (56’ Mallory Swanson) (90’ Jenna Bike), Manaka Hayashi, Anna Gasper (45’ Sam Staab), Brianna Pinto (75’ Bea Franklin)

Bay FC

Scoring Summary:

N/A

Disciplinary Report:

49’ Claire Hutton (Yellow Card), 75’ Sydney Collins (Yellow Card)

Lineup:

Jordan Silkowitz, Maddie Moreau, Joelle Anderson (72’ Heather Gilchrist), Aldana Cometti, Cristiana Girelli (60’ Taylor Huff), Hannah Bebar, Claire Hutton, Kennedy Fuller, Dorian Bailey (60’ Sydney Collins), Alex Pfeiffer (79’ Caroline Conti), Keira Barry (79’ Karlie Lema)

Chicago Stars FC Battle to 0-0 Draw with Bay FC

Chicago Stars FC fought to a 0-0 draw at home against Bay FC on Sunday evening. The Stars were led by captain Brianna Pinto, while defender Sam Staab made her 150th NWSL appearance. Midfielder Manaka Hayashi earned Star of the Match honors, presented by Gatorade, after a solid performance in midfield.

Match Notes

Midfielder Anna Gasper made her first NWSL start in a Stars jersey since being signed by Chicago on July 9 from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica.
Sam Staab made her 150th NWSL regular season appearance.
Manaka Hayashi earned Star of the Match honors after making five tackles, eight duels won, five possessions won, and two chances created while playing the entire match.
Taylor Wood and Jameese Joseph led the Stars with three shots on goal apiece.
Nádia Gomes led Chicago with 9 duels won while Maitane led with possessions won.

How it Happened

- During the first half of the match, Chicago and Bay were held scoreless. The Stars outshot Bay 9-4 in the first 45 minutes of action.
- The Stars and Bay remained scoreless after the second half of action resulting in 0-0 draw.
- Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson made five saves over the course of the match to help the Stars earn a point.

Next Match

Chicago Stars FC visits Seattle Reign FC on August 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Kickoff is slated for 9 p.m. CT.

Chicago Stars vs Bay FC - August 9, 2026

Where to Watch

Match Notes

How it Happened

Next Match