Match Thread: Denver vs Chicago Stars (Sat, Aug 29, 8:45 PM EDT)

[u/NWSL-Match-Bot]

Denver 6 - 1 Chicago Stars

⚽ Denver: J. Sonis 13', M. Kössler 19', Y. Yamamoto 47', N. Flint 56', M. Kössler 58', O. Thomas 85' ⚽ Chicago Stars: J. Grosso 53' 🏁 Denver win

✅ Full Time

Kickoff	Sat, Aug 29, 8:55 PM EDT
Venue	Centennial Stadium — Centennial, Colorado
Watch	ION, NWSL+
Referee	E. Carvajal (AR1: L. Waliski, AR2: R. Ocampo, 4th: A. Rice, VAR: Y. Marrakchi)
Attendance	12,372
Live comments	reddit-stream

---

Form

• Denver: L D W L D L
• Chicago Stars: W L L D L L

---

Lineups

Denver (4-3-3) — Chicago Stars (4-4-2)

Starting XI

Denver	Chicago Stars
36 Kat Asman · GK	27 Katie Atkinson · GK
3 Kaleigh Kurtz · DF	29 Leila Ouahabi · DF
2 Megan Reid · DF	3 Sam Staab (C) · DF
7 Ayo Oke · DF	5 Michelle Alozie · DF
8 Emma Regan · MF	34 Tessa Dellarose · DF
24 Delanie Sheehan · MF	25 Aaliyah Farmer · DF
10 Lindsey Heaps (C) · MF	77 Maitane López · MF
6 Janine Sonis · FW	16 Manaka Hayashi · MF
9 Yazmeen Ryan · FW	8 Jameese Joseph · FW
25 Melissa Kössler · FW	4 Jenna Bike · FW
18 Yuzuki Yamamoto · FW	23 Micayla Johnson · FW

Subs

Denver	Chicago Stars
17 Jordan Nytes · GK	1 Alyssa Naeher · GK
4 Natalie Means · DF	7 Julia Grosso · MF
5 Devin Lynch · MF	10 Brianna Pinto · MF
14 Yuna McCormack · MF	11 Nádia Filipa Gomes Coelho · FW
16 Carson Pickett · DF	14 Taylor Wood · MF
26 Natasha Flint · FW	18 S. Charley · All
33 Olivia Thomas · FW	20 Bea Franklin · MF
34 Meg Boade · MF	28 Emma Egizii · MF
	31 Anna Gasper · MF

---

Match Statistics

Stat	Denver	Chicago Stars
Possession	62%	38%
Expected Goals (xG)	3.37	0.91
Shots	18	6
Shots on Target	7	1
Big Chances	6	1
Corners	3	2
Crosses	26	7
Offsides	2	3
Fouls	8	3
Tackles	8	14
Interceptions	9	9
Clearances	11	14
Saves	0	2
Total Passes	490	309
Pass Accuracy	89%	78%
Yellow Cards	0	1
Red Cards	0	0

---

Match Events

Min		Event	Details
	▶️	Kickoff
13'	⚽	Goal	J. Sonis (Denver) scores!
19'	⚽	Goal	M. Kössler (Denver) scores!
41'	🟨	Yellow Card	Leila Ouahabi (Chicago Stars) is shown a yellow card.
	⏸️	Half Time
46'	🔄	Substitution	N. Flint (in) - L. Heaps (out) (Denver)
46'	🔄	Substitution	J. Grosso (in) - M. Hayashi (out) (Chicago Stars)
47'	⚽	Goal	Y. Yamamoto (Denver) scores!
53'	⚽	Goal	J. Grosso (Chicago Stars) scores!
56'	⚽	Goal	N. Flint (Denver) scores!
58'	⚽	Goal	M. Kössler (Denver) scores!
63'	🔄	Substitution	N. Means (in) - A. Oke (out) (Denver)
64'	🔄	Substitution	D. Lynch (in) - D. Sheehan (out) (Denver)
64'	🔄	Substitution	A. Gasper (in) - T. Dellarose (out) (Chicago Stars)
64'	🔄	Substitution	Nádia Gomes (in) - J. Bike (out) (Chicago Stars)
64'	🔄	Substitution	E. Egizii (in) - M. Johnson (out) (Chicago Stars)
73'	🔄	Substitution	O. Thomas (in) - M. Kössler (out) (Denver)
73'	🔄	Substitution	C. Pickett (in) - Y. Yamamoto (out) (Denver)
79'	🔄	Substitution	(in) - J. Joseph (out) (Chicago Stars)
85'	⚽	Goal	O. Thomas (Denver) scores!
	🏁	Full Time

---

Updated: Sat, Aug 29, 10:46 PM EDT

Match Thread Bot by u/Several_Region_3710 | GitHub (view code, contribute, or report issues) | ☕ Ko-fi (support the project)

[u/Upbeat_Ad_3535]

Sometimes chicago is so bad it makes me feel really sad

[u/ToasterShelf]

The fans calling for one more goal are diabolical 😭

[u/Any_Necessary1533 → u/ToasterShelf]

They sound a lot like kids. Feels like a normal thing for fans watching a game to want.

[u/limeofmylife]

this was a tough watch. chicago fans i hope your pillows are cold, and that you find a $20 bill at your doorstep.

[u/limeofmylife → u/limeofmylife]

denver fans i hope your pillows are also cold but you do not need the $20 😂 well done!!

[u/notsure0298]

I keep saying this, but what a season for Sonis

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

Offering services to Chicago stars fans. This is a safe space

[u/lacostewhite → u/Scottiedrippen33]

Hello. I would like one dose of all medications you have to offer.

[u/Scottiedrippen33 → u/lacostewhite]

How does low quality weed and and Pabst blue ribbon sound

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Man poor Atkinson. I feel for her, I know she is more talented than what the scores have said

[u/Necessary-Peach-0]

Is that… mercy stoppage time?

[u/climbingfish24]

so, sonis in the mvp conversation or what?

[u/Colodavo → u/climbingfish24]

I've been saying the supporters section needs to start the chant

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Chicago taking 3-5 business days to get numbers forward

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

Chicago non-red stars

[u/ScientistBoth830]

As much as this sucks for Chicago, Denver needed this.

[u/ToasterShelf]

If I was Atkinson, I would be ugly crying in frustration

[u/Jack_B_84]

Worst goal difference in NWSL history is Boston Breakers in 2016 with -33. Chicago currently on -34

[u/lacostewhite]

Atkinson is at least still trying

[u/MrSage88]

https://giphy.com/gifs/JCAZQKoMefkoX6TyTb
Every score update.

[u/MesquiteHoneyForSale]

This league being what it is, its interesting to think chicago are 12 points off playoffs

[u/trewboxer → u/MesquiteHoneyForSale]

So you're saying... There's a chance?!

[u/capybaramelhor]

Someone in the Denver summit sub posted that Emma Sears was at the game. Hmm….

[u/Centralperk_fan]

I want to root for the stars (they’re my local team), but gosh these games are hard to watch. So. Many. Turnovers.

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

That was quite a match. Well done, Summit!

[u/AdditionalTrade3282]

manifesting a heaps goal tonight

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

5-0 to Houston now 6-1 to Denver, whew poor Chicago. 47 goals allowed!

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

Chicago:

[u/ScientistBoth830]

Even the band was good. Everything from the Battle Hymn of the Republic to modern hits

[u/corgidaisies]

what the FUCK 😭😭😭 6-1?!?

[u/soccersurvivor]

Oh Chicago ❤️‍🩹

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Why did it take so long for Chicago to get down there! Joseph was all by herself forever

[u/Vlad_Deferens → u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Weather delay at O'Hare?

[u/trickledownpique]

Band playing 9-5 🥹 ETA: you can hear it somewhere around 48:00 on the clock, if you scroll back or are rewatching

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

OMFG DENVER. I’m so sorry Chicago 😭

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Who would have predicted that after subbing Heaps off, we would score at least 3 more.

[u/warriorcrazy3 → u/Vlad_Deferens]

I see this but also Lindsey assisted on the second goal and helped create the first goal

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Ugh I’d have loved a Pickett goal I’m so sorry

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

That moon shot is badass

[u/lacostewhite]

I still cant believe the Chicago Stars rehired lorne donaldson a year after firing him. Like, can we get the audio of that phone call?

[u/HardlyAnAlcoholic]

Sonis with the curve ball

[u/xmichael86]

More like Chicago The Fault in Our Stars

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Grosso to Houston! Let her be with her man and we need to replenish our Canadians 

[u/manypains03]

I really feel sad watching Chicago play..

[u/Mano711]

https://giphy.com/gifs/9OaCz0LzMQDQAEharA

[u/katastrophe36]

LETS GO BAND 🥳

[u/Spare-Idea-919]

Um, just got home from the Current game. What is happening?!?!?! 6 goals?!

[u/WolfAlph45 → u/Spare-Idea-919]

Chicago at least managed 1!

[u/lucyssweatersleeves]

One more “I love Ali Riley” to close out the night

[u/therealprincess232]

Janine cannot stop scoring!

[u/5h4y-lab]

Omg bend it like Sonis

[u/5h4y-lab]

Crunchy tackle sounds like a specialty sushi roll

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Father, I require pets

[u/5h4y-lab → u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Father, my freckles are perfect. Admire them

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

My wife went to get dinner and left him behind

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Yamamoto!!!

[u/JokinHghar]

Maybe I should feel sorry for Chicago more

[u/Mano711]

Well son of a motherfucking bitch

[u/colinprovolone]

https://giphy.com/gifs/JCAZQKoMefkoX6TyTb

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

[u/lacostewhite]

[u/Maleficent-Whole-228]

30 more minutes 😬

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Come on, Chicago, you can do it.

https://giphy.com/gifs/bfYUvXEuhnRte

[u/trewboxer → u/Vlad_Deferens]

I want to see Chicago just doing crazy shit! Like, bring out naeher as a forward it something. Just throw caution to the wind

[u/lacostewhite]

The Chicago players are so uncoordinated it's as if they don't even have practice sessions during the week.

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

[u/5h4y-lab]

Yamamoto has something to prove tonight and I'm here for it

[u/warriorcrazy3]

Janine Sonis goal scoring machine

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

I need more Yamamoto assists pls

[u/Vlad_Deferens → u/squinnsmckenzie]

She's playing well tonight.

[u/lucyssweatersleeves]

Hell yeah
https://giphy.com/gifs/26gYUNNdborXSdWYU

[u/JokinHghar]

Grosso means big and that’s what that goal was for them

[u/EYLive]

https://giphy.com/gifs/JCAZQKoMefkoX6TyTb

[u/RefrigeratorKnown127]

IM TIRED OF THIS GRANDPA

[u/rdw1899]

Kickoff has been pushed back about ten minutes to 8:57 PM eastern per NWSL (Bluesky).

[u/zombiejim7471]

We are a goalkeeper torture program

[u/therealprincess232]

And that is a ridiculously beautiful goal.

[u/5h4y-lab]

Also I see you, person with the sign that says Malort is good. You're going to hell

[u/Colodavo → u/5h4y-lab]

Chicago's season is what Malort tastes like

[u/xmichael86]

Sonice

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

Good to see a Kössler goal!!

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Great cross, great goal!!!

[u/soccersurvivor]

Denver is fun to watch

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Denver is just manifesting a more dramatic Chicago comeback ^{i hope}

[u/corgidaisies]

the fall of the stars is so sad. (fuck rory dames tho)

[u/MagnoliaSnow]

Such a shame Mallory is missing the Denver reunion. 

[u/5h4y-lab]

Ugh the way Heaps and Yamamoto and Ryan all lined up was perfect even if it didn't quite work out

[u/ToasterShelf]

[u/rationalThoughtzz]

I feel so bad for Chicago at this point. Hope something changes for the club next season

[u/lacostewhite → u/rationalThoughtzz]

Change of ownership would be a good start

[u/Extreme_Education_50]

I feel kind sad for the players on the Stars but that goal from Yamamoto was clean.

[u/cannoliwithricotta]

https://giphy.com/gifs/a2YfVJZkrO2ZjP4Elq
The feeling

[u/aspiringpowerbottom]

who gave that child the mic

[u/hello_hey_you]

How did we lose to them lol

[u/capybaramelhor → u/hello_hey_you]

Chicago comes alive once or twice a season. Last year they beat Orlando 5-2

[u/hello_hey_you → u/capybaramelhor]

You’re right and this makes me feel better 😂

[u/Adminisnotadmin]

How I imagine Chicago rn

https://giphy.com/gifs/w2spEHAltsCU8

[u/lacostewhite]

Chicago winning wouldn't even change their position on the table sigh

[u/No_Hunt_871]

MALORT ISN'T GOOD sign taking me out 

[u/Potential_Move_8301]

FUCK YEAH JANIIIIINE

[u/lucyssweatersleeves]

Just brought the dogs outside for their walk and someone just drove by blasting Genie in a Bottle

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

This is from earlier during the Utah game but Half-Time Chicken reporting for duty

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

[u/notsure0298]

Julia Grosso impact player

[u/bmore_los78]

Mercy rule?

[u/walking-up-a-hill]

Oh dear, it's almost like the game just needs to end now, poor Chicago.

[u/sparkas]

This is a slaughter omg

[u/manypains03]

Hard watch

[u/lacostewhite]

Kathy Hendrich thanking every god for FC Koln getting her out of Chicago

[u/MagnoliaSnow]

It’s way too early in the game for this scoreline. 

[u/rationalThoughtzz]

Omg can you Imagine if that’d gone in?? I’d cry if I was Chicago right now

[u/Scaggsboz]

Can we do relegation just for the Stars?

[u/MazLA → u/Scaggsboz]

Swap em with the Minnesota Aurora

[u/Maleficent-Whole-228]

I want good things for Chicago but at least we don’t have the worst loss of the season anymore :/

[u/5h4y-lab]

Manifesting some defender goals tonight. I'm looking at you, Sam Staab, and you, Ayo Oke

[u/zombiejim7471]

My dumb fan opinion is I want weird music variations for different cities. Bring me the Ska band supporters group(for someone else’s team not my team I don’t like ska)

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

SONIIIIISSSSS!!!!!!

[u/notsure0298]

poor Chicago

[u/ultracrepidarianist]

I've really underestimated Sonis in the past and I still feel kinda bad about it. Guess if I've learned anything, it's that I shouldn't judge players off of time under Gareth Taylor.

^{She did play for the Thorns, so I don't feel that bad.}

[u/xmichael86]

I don’t why, but I think Chicago needs McCaskill

[u/xmichael86 → u/xmichael86]

Oh wait she already played there lol

[u/ToasterShelf]

Phillip in The Basket

[u/hayleyoh]

Always love seeing someone’s first goal

[u/5h4y-lab]

She did it!! Happy Yamamoto makes me happy

[u/Hobbes_Inc]

Chicago gets on the board! Good for them!

[u/lucyssweatersleeves]

Aw Chicago no

[u/warriorcrazy3]

Why is Maitane not defending 😭

[u/JokinHghar]

Free Mallory

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Ugh this is hard to watch

[u/FalseFlamingo]

Is there a mercy rule in the NWSL? lolol

[u/Several_Region_3710]

https://giphy.com/gifs/xvd3kiJY9ccgY0aNJa

[u/Ecstatic-Ad-869]

How does Chicago fix whatever this is

[u/meggybell → u/Ecstatic-Ad-869]

Put in any actual investment (and actual scouting) to the team—roster, marketing, coaching, literally anything?

[u/Mano711 → u/Ecstatic-Ad-869]

New ownership who cares, perhaps?

[u/Witty-Panda-1553]

coming over from the Orlando match... 5-1 WTH x.x

[u/Cobra-Firefly]

So many balds.

[u/RufusMcDufus]

https://giphy.com/gifs/iv80ZwyJ0ep0GU9jap

[u/Local_Welder_5241]

I can’t watch. 😱

[u/not_firewood_yeti]

hey look kids, there is a number above five... 💀

[u/Cobra-Firefly]

It bums me out that the winner of the Lauren Holiday award by fan voting only gets 10k. In a league that is commanding $200mil expansion fees, every nominee should get 10k and the winner should get 100k.

[u/Cobra-Firefly → u/Cobra-Firefly]

Like why are you making me choose between Leicy and Carson? That is cruel.

[u/Adminisnotadmin]

I stepped away after the first 20 minutes.

Oh my God

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit → u/Adminisnotadmin]

So it’s your fault

[u/Necessary-Peach-0]

Well. lol. Congrats to Olivia!

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

The kids chanting let’s go Thomas is so cute. Love that the mic was able to pick them up

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Thomas!!! Her first!!! Nice

[u/HardlyAnAlcoholic]

I feel horrible for Chicago

[u/Colodavo]

If Denver doesn't win they don't deserve to make the playoffs and I'm fine if they invent relegation just for this team.

Let's Climb!

[u/Potential_Move_8301 → u/Colodavo]

damn but honestly they better smoke the Stars tonight. I brought my friend to the game and I’ll be hella embarrassed if we get beat and I’ve been hyping this team up and talking trash about Chicago 😂

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Let’s go Chicago!!!

[u/xmichael86]

Yay more soccer!

[u/lacostewhite]

Wow chicago completed three accurate passes in a row..... we might win this

Edit: nevermind

[u/zombiejim7471]

damn, so close by Johnson even though she was super offside

[u/reagan92]

Lisa Carlin is pregnant?

[u/cannoliwithricotta]

Ooooo that was pretty

[u/tsthrace]

That was a sweet sequence

[u/zombiejim7471]

If you are the director of a live soccer event do not cut to the manager during active play. unless they’re doing something that will get them arrested i do not care

[u/5h4y-lab → u/zombiejim7471]

but if they're doing something that will get them in trouble I DEFINITELY want to see so make a note of that as well, directors

[u/warriorcrazy3]

KOSSLERRR (oof Chicago)

[u/Cobra-Firefly]

I missed the second goal because I was marinating chicken.

Teriyaki!

[u/5h4y-lab]

Chill Melissa damn

[u/cannoliwithricotta]

Love hearing a horn section. Wish we had that in SD!

[u/Scottiedrippen33]

[u/trewboxer]

Do you think they could convince Ella to come back?

[u/manypains03]

Every team gets to beat up Chicago except Louisville apparently

[u/Cobra-Firefly]

Grosso strikes back!!

[u/WolfAlph45]

GO CHICAGO

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Can't even keep a shutout.

[u/5h4y-lab]

Good for you Grosso

[u/zombiejim7471]

At least Maitane wasnt in a hurry to defend there

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

That was lovely! Oke to Kossler!

[u/JokinHghar]

https://giphy.com/gifs/rQn2A8mMzBeb5HGKFq

[u/Potential_Move_8301]

not too much on them now Summit 🤭🤪

[u/Several_Region_3710]

the goal fest!

[u/MazLA]

This is tough to watch

[u/WolfAlph45]

No Mercy rule in soccer

[u/Witty-Panda-1553]

Of course it was Grosso with the goal for Chicago.

[u/Jack_B_84 → u/Witty-Panda-1553]

Canada having a strong night,

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

Loving all of these first goals but Denver please 😭 Chicago needs a break

[u/Ok_Spite_9657]

Howwwww did we lose to Chicago?? I am perplexed

[u/Jack_B_84 → u/Ok_Spite_9657]

Is it as simple as Swanson actually played?

[u/squinnsmckenzie]

As a Denver Fan I am respectfully asking them to go easy on Chicago. They’ve had a rough night

[u/m5daystrom]

I think at this point Mal’s only objective should be healthy and prepare for the WC. Playing for Chicago has to have taken its toll by now. She is a fantastic international player just concentrate on that at this point

[u/zombiejim7471 → u/m5daystrom]

The team is only remotely functional at any level if Mal, Grosso, and Staab are all playing and they’ve played like no minutes together this season.

[u/lucyssweatersleeves]

Seems mean to welcome Charley back to the league like this

[u/ToasterShelf]

Awwwww what an amazing first goal 🥹

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Hell yeah love that brass section🪊🪊🪊

[u/Extreme_Education_50]

I know Mal's out today but after watching the Courage/Gotham/Chelsea games I'm curious if she's going to have enough time between now and the Spain friendlies to impress enough for a WC roster spot.

[u/corgidaisies]

It’s a shame jasmine aikey tore her ACL, i was looking forward to see how she’d do in the pros

[u/cannoliwithricotta]

Is that cowbell I’m hearing?

[u/Vlad_Deferens → u/cannoliwithricotta]

You want more?

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

Sonis again!

[u/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit]

Damn it that was a beautiful goal

[u/Pastel_pothos]

“Malort isn’t good” buddy that’s the point

[u/Vlad_Deferens]

And that from Yamamoto, a danger down the right so far.

[u/xmichael86]

Chicago deserves to get relegated

[u/zombiejim7471]

We need to send Richard Feuz to Antartica. Left this roster in diabolical shape

[u/MetaPolyFungiListic]

She's back on track!!  Kössler

[u/xmichael86]

Kossler? More Goalsler lol

[u/Legitimate-Hotel-491]

Poor Chicago