NWSL: Chicago Stars FC Stumble in Season Opener Against Clinical Angel City
- Staff Writer
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
LOS ANGELES — Chicago Stars FC faced a difficult start to the 2026 NWSL season on Sunday night, dropping a 4-0 decision to Angel City FC at BMO Stadium. Despite a flurry of debuts and strong individual passing performances, the Stars were unable to contain an aggressive Los Angeles attack that found the net four times.
While the result was lopsided, the match served as a significant integration point for Chicago’s revamped roster. The evening featured professional debuts for rookies Tessa Dellarose and Emma Egizii, an NWSL debut for Aaliyah Farmer, and the first Chicago appearances for high-profile acquisitions Jordyn Huitema, Michelle Alozie, Brianna Pinto, and Ryan Gareis.
First Half: Angel City Strikes First
The Stars showed flashes of offensive chemistry early in the match, largely through the efforts of Huitema. In the 20th minute, the Canadian international nearly orchestrated an opener, heading a corner kick toward Maitane, whose strike sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
However, Angel City broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Kennedy Fuller intercepted a ball in midfield and surged forward, sliding a clinical finish under a diving Alyssa Naeher to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Second Half: Overload in Los Angeles
Chicago attempted to push numbers forward in the second half, but Angel City’s set-piece pressure proved overwhelming. In the 53rd minute, following a sequence of four consecutive corners, Evelyn Shores rose above the defense to whip a header into the net.
The momentum stayed with the hosts as they capitalized on a turnover in the Stars' box in the 66th minute for their third goal. Maiara Niehues capped off the scoring in the 70th minute, finishing a breakaway to make it 4-0. Despite the deficit, Chicago continued to fight, with Michelle Alozie nearly pulling one back in the final minute of regulation with a trademark sprint and shot.
Stat Lines and Standouts
Statistically, Chicago maintained a solid 81.2% passing accuracy. Defender Sam Staab was a bright spot in the backline, recording a team-high 11 clearances and an exceptional 91.2% passing accuracy.
Match Statistics:
Goals by Half | 1 | 2 | F |
Angel City FC | 1 | 3 | 4 |
Chicago Stars FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Scoring Summary:
LA: Kennedy Fuller (Borges) — 33'
LA: Evelyn Shores (Fuller) — 53'
LA: Ary Borges — 66'
LA: Maiara Niehues (Jónsdóttir) — 70'
Looking Ahead: Home Opener
The Stars will look to regroup quickly as they return to Chicago for their 2026 home opener. They are set to host the Kansas City Current at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Sunday, March 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT.
Chicago Lineup: Naeher; Gareis, Franklin, Staab, Hayashi (Dellarose 72'); Maitane (Farmer 85'), Joseph (Egizii 72'), Grosso; Pinto (Johnson 85'), Huitema.
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