Mallory Swanson marked her return from maternity leave with a goal, helping the Chicago Stars secure a 1-0 victory against Bay FC on Sunday.
The match saw Bay FC receive two red cards, impacting their performance significantly.
In additional matches within the National Women’s Soccer League, the Kansas City Current triumphed over the Portland Thorns with a score of 3-1, while the Orlando Pride achieved a narrow 1-0 win against the San Diego Wave.
Match Highlights
The game featured an early incident in the 11th minute when Chicago forward Jordyn Huitema was fouled by Bay defender Aldana Cometti, resulting in a red card for Cometti. The subsequent free kick taken by midfielder Brianna Pinto was thwarted by Bay goalkeeper Jordyn Silkowitz.
Despite being reduced to ten players, Bay FC appeared to score in the 39th minute with a right-footed shot from Taylor Huff. However, the goal was disallowed following a video review that confirmed an offside position.
In the 63rd minute, Silkowitz received a second red card after handling the ball outside her box while trying to intercept a long pass, further diminishing Bay FC’s chances.
The breakthrough for Chicago came in the 70th minute when Swanson netted her first goal since July 6, 2024, with a powerful left-footed shot. This marked a triumphant return for the forward in just her second game back.
Swanson exited the match in stoppage time after sustaining an injury from a challenge by defender Maddie Moreau, but her impact had already been felt.
The victory ended a four-game losing streak for the Stars, bringing their record to 3-8-0.
Current’s Record-Setting Performance
The Kansas City Current extended their home unbeaten streak to 22 games, tying an NWSL record, with their recent win against the Portland Thorns. Portland’s Sophia Wilson opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a well-placed left-footed shot.
Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta equalized in the 41st minute, marking her first goal of the season. Temwa Chawinga then put the Current ahead with her sixth goal of the season in the 63rd minute, and she later assisted substitute Haley Hopkins in stoppage time to secure the win.
Portland Thorns have now faced all three of their losses on the road this season, with their record standing at 7-3-2, while the Current improved to 6-5-0.
Pride’s Road Victory
Nicole Payne scored her first professional goal for the Orlando Pride in her third game back after an injury, leading her team to a 1-0 victory against the San Diego Wave. Payne’s goal, a precise shot from outside the box in first-half stoppage time, proved decisive.
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse contributed significantly by making five saves, earning her fourth clean sheet of the season. The Pride’s record now stands at 4-5-2, while the Wave’s record is 7-4-1.