In a striking turn of events, the Chicago Stars won 5-2 against the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) defending champion Orlando Pride in their debut game in Evanston on Sunday afternoon at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Pride previously beat the Stars 6-0 in a lopsided season opener.

More than 10,000 fans filled the temporary stadium repping blue Stars merchandise, a bigger crowd than Friday’s Northwestern football game at the stadium. Attendees donned blue sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts and more, with many waving blue inflatable “thunder sticks.”

“This game was wild,” Stars fan and Chicago resident Rachel Kinnard said. “The Stars have been having a really rough season. This was the best they’ve played this year, and especially against Orlando. That was totally unexpected.”

The Stars dubbed the contest the Wintrust Lakefront Faceoff, a special game along the water on Northwestern’s campus. The team has played home games at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for years, but they’re moving to Martin Stadium for the entirety of the upcoming 2026 season.

Neither team scored in the first half, though the crowd reacted loudly each time either squad came close to a goal.

Despite the slow start, the game picked up in the second half, with the Stars’ Sam Staab scoring the first goal. Minutes later, the Pride tied the game, but the Stars retook the lead not long after.

Fans along the west sideline during Sunday’s Chicago Stars game. Credit: Astry Rodriguez

“It’s an overwhelmingly positive experience from the fans’ perspective,” Jeff Malham, father of Stars player Taylor Malham, said of the atmosphere on Sunday in Evanston.

The support for the Stars was palpable, with cheers erupting for each score.

One Stars fan, Marivel Salgado, said she was unsure of the Stars chances, especially after she saw them lose a game to the Pride last year. But once they scored a few goals on Sunday, she said she was “losing her mind.”

Inside the stadium along with the game were several family friendly activities. The Stars hosted a “kid’s corner,” where children could color the Chicago skyline, make friendship bracelets, play Jenga and Connect 4 and even get temporary tattoos.

Families enjoy activities at this Stars booth inside the stadium grounds. Credit: Astry Rodriguez

Many families stayed in the area during the game, particularly those who wanted a moment to wind down. Jeff Gray, who was in attendance with his grandson and other family members, said he appreciated the kid friendly area, as he had been to football games at Northwestern before and never seen one.

“I think it’s great. You need a little break from watching all the soccer,” he said. “It’s also a great setting out here, [my grandson] has enjoyed looking at the lake.”

Kids received a “Galaxy Passport” where they could mark down each Stars game they’ve attended for a prize. Stars sponsor Nella, a women’s health brand, also had a prize wheel for fans to spin and win free gifts like sports towels, bracelets, socks and soccer balls. 

“It’s so fun. All of the kids are so excited. Everybody loves to spin the wheel, even the parents,” Nella Marketing Director Janie McAllister said. 

Players and interim Head Coach Anders Jacobson expressed excitement and relief over the outcome of the game. Jacobson said the fans made the game a fun experience. 

Player Julia Grosso said having the game turn in her team’s favor was comforting, especially after the first few scores.  

“It was a relaxing feeling, but obviously we still needed to defend and not let them score,” Grosso said. “But it was just like, ‘We’ve been waiting for this moment,’ and it just felt really good.”

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