After two games in the 2024 season, the Chicago Red Stars sit at the top of the NWSL table with a 2-0 record for the first time in club history.
Saturday’s home opener against Seattle Reign saw a continuation of the defensive successes in the season opener. Strong, organized defense in open play and off set pieces, and, solid one-on-one stonewalling to keep the chances to a minimum. Only an absolute world-beater from Jin So-Yun could crack the back of the net.
Ji’s goal to tie the match was the first-ever in the NWSL from a Korean player. The Red Stars’ goals marked the first NWSL goals for Julia Bianchi, and newcomer Maxi Rall.
The German defender has transitioned well to the NWSL style of fast, transitioned play. She had a strong performance in the season opener as well. “It’s completely different from the other style I played in Germany, but I’m really excited.” Rall said after the match against Seattle Reign. Despite playing in a different country, the fundamentals remain the same. “If you’re good on defense, then you have an opportunity to win games. I think we all have to work for that.”
It’s far too soon to declare a successful rebuild, but the changes in the way these Red Stars play is undeniable. “I think there was a lack of connection last season.” Midfielder Julia Bianchi said after the Seattle match. On the field, it already feels different. “When we go through difficult times in the field I think we are working through it.” The goal from Ji So-Yun was a wake-up call that might’ve gone unanswered last season. “I think we started the second half a little too comfortable.” Bianchi said of the team’s reaction to the Seattle goal. “So it was just like ‘guys, we didn’t win anything. Let’s get back, and do the work we have to do’.”
Coach Lorne Donaldson lauded the team’s mentality this season. “Everybody here wants to win. We hate to lose.” Building trust has been at the forefront of the Club’s effort to build a winning culture. “If we get in a foxhole, then we have to defend each other…even if they don’t know what a foxhole is.” he added with a laugh.
This mentality has been seen on the scoresheet with four different Red Stars contributing to the goal-scoring efforts. The multiple goal contributions may be taking some of the pressure off of Mal Swanson as she continues to find her form after returning from her knee injury.
“I think the players know what Mal can do, so if she has to carry the load for us, she’s willing to do it, but I think we’ll have some players that are willing to help carry the load. Not everybody can play the piano, but there are people here to carry the piano while she’s playing it.” Coach Donaldson said of the goal-scoring support. “Hopefully we can get more piano players within the group and that’s what we’re working towards. We don’t want Mal to be the only one carrying the load, but the team as a whole can join in while we find one or two special players who can do something similar.”
Coach Donaldson initially expected to play the first few matches without Swanson. “I didn’t even think she was going to start the season… just having her on the field is a plus.” He praised her leadership and credited her work ethic for her return. “When she hits her stride, it’s going to be even greater.”
The Red Stars face a test tonight against an upstart Orlando Pride side. Orlando’s had two come from behind efforts to save points after trailing. This match ought to be a good test of two resilient teams, both hoping to show the rest of the league they mean business this season.
Tonight’s match against the Orlando Pride will also mark the first time two Black head coaches face off as permanent appointees in the NWSL. Orlando Pride Coach Seb Hines previously faced Gotham FC’s Hue Menzies when both were interim coaches. The NWSL is in its 14th season.