Chicago Stars FC claimed a dramatic 3-2 National Women’s Soccer League victory over Racing Louisville FC on Sunday at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, with substitute Julia Grosso delivering the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
In front of 4,405 supporters in Evanston, Chicago led at the interval through Jameese Joseph’s 34th-minute finish, only for Racing to turn the match into a second-half scrap. Taylor Flint levelled with a header in the 49th minute before Mallory Swanson restored the Stars’ advantage in the 62nd.
Racing refused to fade. Makenna Morris struck in the 68th minute to make it 2-2 and set up a tense closing stretch, with the visitors carrying a significant attacking threat. Louisville finished with 22 shots and seven corners, compared with Chicago’s 12 shots and four corners, while both sides put six efforts on target.
But Chicago had the final word. Grosso, introduced from the bench, found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute to settle a breathless fixture and secure all three points for the home side.
The Stars controlled 56.4 percent of possession and made their attacking moments count, recording three assists across their three goals. Racing created plenty, registering 15 shot assists, but could not find a late equaliser during six minutes of added time.
Chicago Stars FC next host Denver Summit FC on Saturday, August 29. Racing Louisville FC return home to face San Diego Wave FC on Friday, August 28.
Goals
- Chicago Stars FC: Jameese Joseph 34′, Mallory Swanson 62′, Julia Grosso 83′
- Racing Louisville FC: Taylor Flint 49′, Makenna Morris 68′
