Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Evanston, Illinois
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT)
TV/Streaming: CBS Sports Network
This is the second meeting of the season between the expansion Denver Summit FC and the struggling Chicago Stars FC (formerly associated with Red Stars branding in some contexts). Denver sits in mid-table contention, while Chicago is near the bottom of the NWSL standings. The first matchup ended in a decisive 6-1 home win for Denver on Aug. 29. Chicago is hosting its “Nuestra Ciudad” match celebrating Hispanic and Latino communities.
Current/Projected Rosters & Key Players
Denver Summit FC: Goalkeepers Abby Smith / Kat Asman; defenders Janine Sonis (productive attacker from the back), Kaleigh Kurtz, Megan Reid, Ayo Oke; midfielders Lindsey Heaps, Delanie Sheehan, Emma Regan; forwards Melissa Kössler, Yazmeen Ryan, Olivia Thomas, Yuzuki Yamamoto, Natasha Flint.
Chicago Stars FC: Goalkeepers Katie Atkinson / Alyssa Naeher; defenders Sam Staab, Michelle Alozie, Maitane, Leila Ouahabi; midfielders Julia Grosso, Brianna Pinto, Manaka Hayashi; forwards Jordyn Huitema, Nádia Gomes, Mallory Swanson (availability variable), Jenna Bike, Simone Charley.
Injury Reports
Denver Summit FC:
Jasmine Aikey (knee – season-ending injury / ACL).
Nahikari García (knee – season-ending injury).
Jordan Baggett (maternity leave).
Additional excused absences noted in prior reports (e.g., Camryn Biegalski, Ally Brazier, Carson Pickett in earlier windows). Monitor for any late updates.
Chicago Stars FC: Historical and ongoing absences have included players such as Jordyn Huitema (knee issues in prior reports), Natalia Kuikka (knee SEI), Ryan Connaughton, and others. Recent form suggests the squad is managing depth challenges. Official matchday availability should be checked closer to kickoff for the most current status.
Weather Forecast
Mostly sunny to clear skies. High near 67–69°F with west/northwest winds 5–15 mph. Overnight lows in the low-to-mid 50s. Excellent conditions for soccer with no significant precipitation expected.
Recent Team Forms
Denver Summit FC: Balanced expansion side with a 9-9-8 record. Capable of high-scoring outputs (as shown in the prior 6-1 win over Chicago). Recent results include competitive performances; they sit around 10th in the table and remain in the broader playoff conversation depending on remaining fixtures. Strong attacking contributions from players like Janine Sonis and Melissa Kössler.
Chicago Stars FC: Difficult season at 5-19-2 near the bottom of the table. Recent results include a 3-1 loss to Gotham FC. Offensive production is limited, and defensive vulnerabilities have been evident (conceding heavily in several matches). Looking to bounce back at home.
Series History
Only one prior meeting in 2026: Denver dominated 6-1 at home on Aug. 29 (goals from multiple Summit players including a brace from Melissa Kössler). This is the return fixture. Chicago has struggled against higher-placed or more organized sides this season.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Janine Sonis / Melissa Kössler / Yazmeen Ryan (Denver attack) vs. Chicago back line (Staab, Alozie, Maitane): Denver’s ability to generate goals from multiple sources against a leaky Stars defense.
Julia Grosso / Nádia Gomes / Jordyn Huitema (Chicago) vs. Denver midfield/defense (Heaps, Sheehan, Kurtz): Chicago needs creative spark and finishing to trouble a more structured Summit side.
Goalkeeping: Abby Smith/Kat Asman (Denver) vs. Katie Atkinson/Alyssa Naeher (Chicago) — experience vs. consistency in a potential high-event game.
Set pieces and transitions: Denver has shown efficiency in open play and set pieces; Chicago must limit turnovers and capitalize on any home energy.
MATCH ODDS
Denver Summit FC – 280
Chicago Stars FC + 500
Draw + 400
Over 3.5 + 105 Under 3.5 – 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, October 3, 2026
