Chicago Red Stars' Lack of Backline Depth Showed Against Racing Louisville

The Chicago Red Stars did not start off the final stretch of the NWSL season on a positive note.

Chicago lost 3-1 to Racing Louisville on Saturday night after the hosts managed to pick apart the Red Stars’ backline multiple times as they cruised to three points.

Each of Louisville’s three goals against the Red Stars was a product of Chicago’s defenders not covering their ground well. Chicago’s struggles defensively aren’t that surprising, they lost center-back Sam Staab for the season to injury last month and have yet to bring in any depth despite the transfer window closing soon.

Natalia Kuikka slotted in at center-back before Cari Roccaro dropped into her spot after the Finnish defender was subbed off in the 82nd minute. Roccaro wasn’t the only one out of position in Louisville after Leilanni Nesbeth started and spent most of the night at right back.

Red Stars head coach Lorne Donaldson noted post-match that his side could use some help and time to develop backline chemistry, especially after he noted that Kuikka was dealing with an illness.

“You have to change certain things, you know. And then the partnerships have to start getting used to each other, especially [at] center back, it's a partnership.

And [Natalia Kuikka] has been out for a long time, too. So I think we've been out for the last six weeks, and we didn't get a game just to get her back in the lineup, doing some stuff. I think Louisville had a couple games last week and we didn't have any games. We needed a game so, I don't want to put us out on not having a game and it shows that we needed a game just to get everybody back together on the pitch.”

Chicago remains in the playoff spots with 23 points through 17 matches but will have to improve their play sooner rather than later if they actually want to qualify for the postseason, something they desperately want after the disappointment that was the 2023 season.

If there’s one thing that became readily apparent in Louisville, it’s that the Red Stars need to add a potential starter at center back to fill in for the injured Sam Staab.

What's On Tap Next?

The Red Stars will be in Los Angeles to take on Angel City on September 1. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on CBS.

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