Photo Credit: Gretchen Schneider/Chicago Stars FC
The Chicago Stars celebrated a much-needed victory on Sunday, securing a 3-2 win against the Utah Royals and snapping the Royals’ impressive 10-game unbeaten streak—a franchise record. Striker Jordyn Huitema played a pivotal role, contributing two goals, while center-back Sam Staab showcased her skills with a remarkable solo effort to clinch the win.
Huitema, acquired from the Reign in a preseason trade, initiated the scoring in the 20th minute. She expertly finished a well-placed cross from Brianna Pinto. Just before halftime, Utah’s Cloé Lacasse equalized, displaying her own talent. Following the intermission, Utah took the lead when Cece Delzer converted a penalty kick in the 54th minute, awarded after a VAR review confirmed a foul.
Chicago responded quickly, with Staab netting a stunning equalizer just five minutes later. Her direct free-kick goal marked a significant moment, being only the second such goal in the club’s history, with Staab being the first to achieve this feat.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Huitema made her mark again by scoring her first brace as a Star. The game-winner came in the 86th minute, following a corner kick that found her in a prime position to secure the three points for Chicago. This crucial victory elevates the Stars to 14th place in the league standings, now with 12 points—five points shy of the playoff spots. Meanwhile, Utah remains a strong contender at the top, holding 24 points.
Fans were treated to an exciting match filled with drama and skill. As the Chicago Stars showcased their fighting spirit, the victory not only boosts morale but also highlights the potential for a turnaround in their season. The standout performances from Huitema and Staab underline the impact of their recent signings and demonstrate the team’s resilience.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match’s momentum. Chicago aims to leverage this victory to propel themselves into playoff contention, while Utah will be eager to regroup and maintain their standing among the league’s elite.
