Chicago Red Stars (33 points, 9-10-7)
Head coach: Rory Dames
Player to watch: Mallory Pugh
The Chicago Red Stars scraped into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season, but they have the talent to make a deep run. Mallory Pugh has been a standout performer for the Red Stars this season, contributing seven goals and three assists. The team will rely on her creativity and finishing ability to unlock the Orlando Pride defense in their quarterfinal matchup. Coach Rory Dames will also look to veteran players like Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher to provide leadership and stability in a high-pressure playoff environment.
With the stage set for an action-packed quarterfinal weekend, fans can expect drama, excitement, and potentially some upsets as the NWSL playoffs kick off. Each team will be fighting for a chance to advance to the semifinals and ultimately compete for the championship title, making for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season.
The Chicago Red Stars finished the regular season with 32 points and a record of 10-14-2, earning them a spot in the postseason. However, a late-season slump caused them to slip from sixth to eighth place in the standings. Head coach Lorne Donaldson will need to rally his team to overcome this slide and face the Shield winners in the playoffs.
One player to watch during the postseason is Mallory Swanson. Swanson has been a standout performer for the Red Stars, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in her first full season since recovering from a serious knee injury. Her ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for Chicago’s success in the playoffs.
Despite their lower ranking in expected goals, the Red Stars have the talent and determination to compete with the top teams in the league. With Swanson leading the way, Chicago will look to make a deep run in the postseason and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. The team’s resilience and fighting spirit will be put to the test, but with the right mindset and strategy, they have the potential to surprise everyone and make a run for the championship.
