{"id":209560,"date":"2025-09-08T06:42:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T06:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/209560\/"},"modified":"2025-09-08T06:42:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T06:42:13","slug":"chicago-stars-dazzle-evanston-crowd-in-win-over-orlando-pride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/209560\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Stars dazzle Evanston crowd in win over Orlando Pride"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a striking turn of events, the Chicago Stars won 5-2 against the National Women\u2019s Soccer League (NWSL) defending champion Orlando Pride in their debut game in Evanston on Sunday afternoon at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium<\/strong><\/a>. The Pride previously beat the Stars 6-0 in a lopsided season opener.<\/p>\n

More than 10,000 fans filled the temporary stadium repping blue Stars merchandise, a bigger crowd than Friday\u2019s Northwestern football game at the stadium. Attendees donned blue sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts and more, with many waving blue inflatable \u201cthunder sticks.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cThis game was wild,\u201d Stars fan and Chicago resident Rachel Kinnard said. \u201cThe Stars have been having a really rough season. This was the best they\u2019ve played this year, and especially against Orlando. That was totally unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Stars dubbed the contest the Wintrust Lakefront Faceoff, a special game along the water on Northwestern\u2019s campus. The team has played home games at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview for years, but they\u2019re moving to Martin Stadium for the entirety of the upcoming 2026 season.<\/p>\n

Neither team scored in the first half, though the crowd reacted loudly each time either squad came close to a goal.<\/p>\n

Despite the slow start, the game picked up in the second half, with the Stars\u2019 Sam Staab scoring the first goal. Minutes later, the Pride tied the game, but the Stars retook the lead not long after. <\/p>\n

\"\"Fans along the west sideline during Sunday\u2019s Chicago Stars game. Credit: Astry Rodriguez<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an overwhelmingly positive experience from the fans\u2019 perspective,\u201d Jeff Malham, father of Stars player Taylor Malham, said of the atmosphere on Sunday in Evanston. <\/p>\n

The support for the Stars was palpable, with cheers erupting for each score. <\/p>\n

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 \u201closing her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside the stadium along with the game were several family friendly activities. The Stars hosted a \u201ckid\u2019s corner,\u201d where children could color the Chicago skyline, make friendship bracelets, play Jenga and Connect 4 and even get temporary tattoos.<\/p>\n

\"\"Families enjoy activities at this Stars booth inside the stadium grounds. Credit: Astry Rodriguez<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s great. You need a little break from watching all the soccer,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s also a great setting out here, [my grandson] has enjoyed looking at the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kids received a \u201cGalaxy Passport\u201d where they could mark down each Stars game they\u2019ve attended for a prize. Stars sponsor Nella, a women\u2019s health brand, also had a prize wheel for fans to spin and win free gifts like sports towels, bracelets, socks and soccer balls.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so fun. All of the kids are so excited. Everybody loves to spin the wheel, even the parents,\u201d Nella Marketing Director Janie McAllister said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Player Julia Grosso said having the game turn in her team\u2019s favor was comforting, especially after the first few scores.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a relaxing feeling, but obviously we still needed to defend and not let them score,\u201d Grosso said. \u201cBut it was just like, \u2018We\u2019ve been waiting for this moment,\u2019 and it just felt really good.\u201d <\/p>\n

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