NWSL: Chicago Stars FC Shine in Home Opener with Gritty Win Over Reigning Shield Winners
- Staff Writer
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
EVANSTON, Ill. — In front of 4,192 fans at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Chicago Stars FC secured their first points of the 2026 season on Sunday afternoon. The Stars delivered a poised performance to defeat the reigning NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current, 2-1, marking the club's second-highest standalone home opener attendance in franchise history.
The victory was built on a clinical debut from rookie Tessa Dellarose and a powerful header from marquee signing Jordyn Huitema. Despite a mid-second-half surge from the Current, Chicago’s backline held firm to snap a winless streak against Kansas City that dated back to April 2023.
"The energy from the crowd was incredible today," the club noted following the win. "To get those first three points against a team as talented as Kansas City, especially in our home opener, is a testament to how hard this group has worked since week one."
Rookie Breakthrough and Tactical Precision
After a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes, Chicago began to find its rhythm on the attack. In the 43rd minute, the breakthrough arrived via a set piece. Veteran defender Sam Staab whipped in a corner that deflected off a Current defender; Dellarose, making her first professional start, reacted instantly to volley the ball into the back of the net. The strike made her only the second rookie in the NWSL to score this season.
The momentum carried directly into the second half. In the 50th minute, Julia Grosso ignited a counter-attack, streaking up the center of the pitch before feeding Ryan Gareis on the right wing. Gareis delivered a pinpoint one-touch cross to a charging Huitema, who smashed a header past the keeper to double the Chicago lead.
Weathering the Current
Kansas City managed to pull a goal back in the 57th minute when Haley Hopkins connected with an Izzy Rodriguez cross, but the Stars refused to buckle. Head Coach Lorne Donaldson utilized his bench effectively, bringing on Aaliyah Farmer and Jameese Joseph to maintain the high-press energy.
Chicago’s defense, anchored by the legendary Alyssa Naeher, limited the Current's high-powered offense for the remainder of the match. The result reinforced a historic trend: only two of the last 14 reigning NWSL Shield winners have managed to secure a victory on Chicago’s home turf.
Looking Ahead: Midweek Clash with Orlando
The Stars (1-1-0, 3 points) have little time to celebrate as they prepare for a quick turnaround. They remain at Martin Stadium this Wednesday, March 25, to host the Orlando Pride. The Stars will look to replicate their 2025 success against Orlando, having defeated them 5-2 in their first-ever meeting at the Evanston venue.
Match Statistics:
Goals by Half | 1 | 2 | F |
Chicago Stars FC | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Kansas City Current | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Scoring Summary:
CHI: Tessa Dellarose — 42'
CHI: Jordyn Huitema (Gareis) — 50'
KC: Haley Hopkins (Rodriguez) — 57'
Chicago Lineup: Naeher; Dellarose, Staab, Franklin, Alozie (Farmer 60'); Maitane, Hayashi (Nesbeth 88'), Gareis, Grosso; Pinto, Huitema (Joseph 61')
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIER MEDIA GROUP / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK /
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215500230
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / National Soccer Network
