After a busy offseason, fans finally got a chance to see the new-look Red Stars take the field for the first time. The 2024 inaugural starting XI featured many new faces and a welcome return for Mal Swanson. It her first start in the NWSL in nearly a year since suffering a torn patellar tendon on international duty with the USWNT.
Saturday’s match marked the NWSL’s return to Utah. The club announced a sell out crowd ahead of the match, with 20,370 fans through the gates for a new state record. The excitement was palpable through the TV screen, with horns and drums echoing around the grounds from kick off to the final whistle.
The first half saw Utah holding possession of the ball, but unable to capitalize. “We’ve worked on stuff like this. if we don’t have the ball, we still have to play.” Coach Lorne Donaldson explained the team’s thought process. “Once we settle down, get the nerves out… we just have to get through that phase.”
Chicago’s patience ultimately prevailed. Sophomore forward Ally Schlegel broke the deadlock in the second half. New defender Sam Staab lofted a pass in the box, and Schlegel rose above the Utah defense to head the ball over the outstretched arms of Utah’s Carly Nelson.
“We know Sam Staab’s service is lethal, and she has the ability to be super accurate. So, I’m just trying to get on the back shoulder behind the defenders, and meet that ball on the right timing.” Ally Schlegel remarked on her spectacular header after the match.
Ava Cook buried a loose ball in the box to make it 2-0. The pair were quick to credit the defending line on their efforts on keeping a clean sheet. “They don’t always get a big shout out because scoring goals takes the light sometimes. I think they deserve more recognition than they get.” Cook said. “We cannot leave this press conference without talking about Alyssa Naeher’s performance today.” Schlegel added.
Captain Alyssa Naeher made several key saves at point-blank range. “Alyssa is the hardest working player I’ve seen in my life.” Coach Donaldson praised the keeper’s efforts after the match. “She’s a machine… she doesn’t miss a beat.”
Saturday’s match saw the return of Mal Swanson. Chicago’s leading goal scorer from 2022 missed the 2023 season with a knee injury. She shared her gratitude with fans on Instagram after the match, posting photos posing with her teammates, and her family. The caption read “After 343 days, 3 surgeries, and an infection that changed my whole perspective on life, I realized many things. Life is a beautiful blessing. Health is a blessing. This game that I love is a blessing. and at the end of it all, I am more than thankful to be able to do what I love again.”
Swanson’s teammates were more than happy to have her back in the starting lineup. “There’s no other Mal Swanson in the whole world” Ava Cook remarked. “Her intensity, it makes you want to run through a brick wall… playing with her is the best.”
“I value her leadership so much.” Ally Schlegel added. “She’s the first one to hold me accountable, and the first one to tell me I did a great job.”
Aside from the goals, and the heroic goalkeeping, there was an air of joy around the squad not often seen last season. Players were all smiles on the field and on the bench, and music bumped against the locker room walls during the post-match media availability.
The Red Stars return to Chicago for their home opener this weekend against Seattle Reign. “We’re freakin’ pumped.” Schlegel said “We’re excited to play in front of our home fans and get a W for the city of Chicago.”
Kickoff time is set for 3pm central time. The first 1,000 fans receive a commemorative Red Stars scarf.