Mallory Swanson scored her first goal in her return after maternity leave, leading the Chicago Stars to a 1-0 victory over Bay FC on Sunday. Bay FC received two red cards in this match.
In other National Women’s Soccer League games, the Kansas City Current defeated the Portland Thorns, 3-1, and the Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave, 1-0.
Chicago forward Jordyn Huitema, who broke free in the 11th minute, was fouled by Bay defender Aldana Cometti near the top of the box and received a red card as a result. The ensuing free kick by midfielder Briana Pinto was denied by goalkeeper Jordyn Silkowitz.
Despite being behind by one person, Bay FC (3-5-2) appeared to take the lead in the 39th minute with Taylor Huff’s right-footed shot. After a video review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Bay FC received their second red card of the game in the 63rd minute after Silkowitz came out of the penalty area to try to stop a long ball that went over the top and dispose of the ball.
Chicago (3-8-0) finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with Swanson’s left-footed shot. In just her second game back from maternity leave, the forward scored her first goal since July 6, 2024.
Swanson was sent off in stoppage time after falling under a challenge from defender Maddie Morrow.
The Stars ended their losing streak at four with the victory.
Labonta and Chawinga score in this return match
With the win over the Thorns, Current extended their undefeated home streak to 22 games, tying an NWSL record.
Portland forward Sophia Wilson took the lead in the 14th minute with a left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Lorena’s near post for a 1-0 lead.
Current captain Ro LaBonta equalized in the 41st minute with his first goal of the season.
Reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga was left wide free and calmly scored his sixth goal of the season to take a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute. Chawinga found substitute Hayley Hopkins in stoppage time to take away the margin.
All three losses and goals conceded for the Portland Thorns (7-3-2) have come on the road.
Current (6-5-0) is undefeated in five home games this season.
Payne scores for Pride on the road.
Nicole Payne, who missed last season with an injury, scored her first professional goal in just her third game back with the Orlando Pride (4-5-2).
Payne’s pinpoint shot from outside the box in first-half stoppage time gave visiting Orlando a 1-0 lead that the Wave (7-4-1) would never relinquish.
Anna Moorhouse made five saves for her fourth shutout of the season.
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