After leading the league for much of the first half of the season, the Chicago Red Stars stumbled a bit in August, dropping out of the top spot and into second by season's end. Still, win or lose in the semifinal, this is the best ever finish for Chicago. They failed to make the playoffs in both 2013, when they finished in sixth, and 2014, when they finished fifth, missing out on the top four and a playoff berth thanks only to tiebreakers.
Red Stars vs. FC Kansas City, 2015 NWSL semifinals: Preview and how to watch
A year after missing the playoffs on tiebreakers, the Red Stars finally get their first chance at postseason glory. But Chicago’s road to the title game won’t be easy. First up: defending NWSL champs FC Kansas City.
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Their second place finish means a chance to host a playoff game, something the Red Stars' opponent is plenty familiar with. While Chicago is making its postseason debut with a franchise-best finish, FC Kansas City will be making its third postseason appearance. The Blues are the only team to appear in the playoffs in all three seasons of the NWSL, but after finishing second in both 2013 and 2014, this year's third place finish marks something of a low for the league's defending champions. FCKC was knocked out in the semifinals by eventual champions Portland in 2013, and won the whole thing last season, knocking off the shield-winning Seattle Reign in the title game.
Season series
Chicago and Kansas City faced each other twice during the regular season, with the Red Stars taking the first game in late May, 2-1. The second game, on Aug. 1, was a 2-2 draw.
Key Player: Christen Press (Chicago)
After missing nearly half of Chicago’s regular season games thanks to USWNT commitments, Christen Press still managed to finish the year as the Red Stars’ leading scorer. The second-year striker netted 10 goals in only 11 appearances for the Red Stars in 2015.
Key Matchup: Christen Press vs. the FC Kansas City defense
An FC Kansas City back line including Amy LePeilbet, Rebecca Moros and Leigh Ann Robinson was solid all season. Add in Becky Sauerbrunn for the nine games she was available for and you get the league’s stingiest defense. In 20 games, the Blues recorded eight shutouts and allowed just 20 goals, both league bests.
One of the only players who’s been able to break down that defense? Christen Press. She wasn’t available for Chicago the first time the Red Stars faced FCKC this season, but she netted both of Chicago’s goals in that 2-2 draw. Only two other players -- Washington’s Christine Nairn and Sky Blue’s Sam Kerr -- have had multi-goal games against the Blues.
Who else is here from the World Cup?
FCKC have Lauren Holiday, who is playing her final NWSL season. Becky Sauerbrunn, who would have been a deserving Golden Ball winner if Carli Lloyd hadn't dominated the final. Amy Rodriguez, one of the league's top players for two years in a row. And Heather O'Reilly, who didn't get too many opportunities to shine.
Besides the aforementioned Press, Chicago have Julie Johnston, who came out of the World Cup a star, and veteran Lori Chalupny. Abby Erceg of New Zealand, plus Melissa Tancredi, Karina LeBlanc and Adriana Leon of Canada all play for the Red Stars as well.
I am terrible at predictions, but let’s go for it anyway
2-1 Chicago, in extra time.
Match date/time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill.
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online: Fox Sports Go
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