Preview: Chicago Red Stars vs. Bay FC at Wrigley Field

The infield dirt at Wrigley Field is covered with grass, the flags at the corner of Addison and Clark have been changed and history is expected to be made on Saturday when the Chicago Red Stars host Bay FC at The Friendly Confines.

The Red Stars (5-1-5, 16 points, 6th in NWSL) took all three points in the reverse fixture in San Jose on May 5 after overcoming an early 1-0 deficit. Expansion club Bay FC (3-0-8, 9 points, 12th in NWSL) entered the international break with a single win in their last seven NWSL matches and will be looking to play spoiler for the Red Stars on the North Side.

Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher missed the two matches leading into the international break and has told reporters all week that she is doing all she can to put herself in a position to be healthy and available at Wrigley Field. Only a few months away from a potential spot on the USWNT’s squad at the Summer Olympics, Naeher said she wants to be back for her teammates in Chicago when asked why she would potentially risk her availability down the line in order to play at Wrigley.

“Because I care about this team and I want to help this team win games and I think you know I want to be out there with my teammates and you never want to be injured,” Naeher said at the pre-match press conference at Wrigley Field. “You never want to be on the sideline. And obviously I've done what I can to be supporting the team from deciding that, staying involved.

“And like I said, working hard to get back but again, I care a lot about this team I want to be out there with with my teammates and competing and trying to win games. I think we have a special group that's been doing well so far this season. And obviously there's been some bumps along the road and it's never going to be perfect but I think that I want to be out there with my teammates.”

There’s been a massive marketing push from the entire Red Stars organization, including most, if not all, the players participating in some way to help make this event memorable. Chicago’s head coach Lorne Donaldson loves the excitement surrounding the event but needs his players to make sure they remain grounded throughout.

“There’s been a lot of hype about it, which is great. It’s great for the game to see the growth in sports,” said Donaldson. “As I told the players, there’s going to be a high and a low and if you’re too low, then you’re not into it. You’ve got to find that middle ground where you can find your comfort zone and get ready to play.

“So I think the players on both teams are excited. It’s an iconic, iconic place to play football. So we know we’re going to try and get after it.”

How to Watch Chicago Red Stars vs. Bay FC at Wrigley Field

Who: Chicago Red Stars vs. Bay FC

Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

When: June 8, 2024. 6:30 p.m. CT

How to Watch: ION TV

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