With Playoffs on the Line, Red Stars Focus on the Present

Only three weeks remain in the 2023 NWSL Regular season, and the league table is set with chaos down the home stretch. The Shield is up for grabs, and any team can still make the playoffs.

The Red Stars (6-3-10) are in twelfth place, but only five points out of the last playoff spot.

It’s been a roller coaster of a season, with lopsided losses, and thrilling wins. Eight different goal-scorers have contributed on offense.

“I think it just took some time for us to get coordinated. We started with a lot of new players on the team. So just getting everyone on the same page and thinking the same way, it took us some time.” Coach Chris Petrucelli opined ahead of Saturday’s match against Louisville.

Racing Louisville (5-9-5) is a familiar foe. They’ve defeated the Red Stars in decisive matches in both NWSL and Challenge Cup play for a combined score of 7-0.

“I’ve spent some time looking at the matches we’ve played against them.” Coach Petrucelli said during media availability. He was frank about their past results.  “One, we didn’t play well in any of the matches. It was a lot more about what we did and a lot less about what they did… I'm not sure we’ve put our best foot forward yet, but I have a sneaky suspicion we’re going to come tomorrow.”

That sense of belief has driven this Red Stars team. They’ve lost one league game since July 1st.

“I just think our team has been more optimistic, taking our chances and going forward and trusting each other.” Red Stars Rookie Penelope Hocking shared during the availability.

Still, the team isn’t letting the bigger goal of the Playoffs distract from what needs to be done this weekend.

“I know we have Louisville, KC [Current] and OL [Reign], but we can’t get nine points without getting three this weekend.” Penelope Hocking added.  “I think our team has that focus and in training it’s been really good.”

Chicago Red Stars kick off Saturday evening against Racing Louisville at 7PM Central.

The team will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Night. Each ticket sold with their promotional T-shirt package donates $5 to the Illinois DREAM fund.