The game of soccer is defined as one where two teams compete for 90 minutes and then Chicago qualifies for a semifinal

And qualify Chicago did, though it took 90 scoreless minutes and a few well-sunk penalties. Claire and Sandra talk through the Red Stars early tactics, what did and did not work, who stepped up and who stepped wide, while also celebrating new Chicago history and a semifinal matchup against Sky Blue FC

Talking! to! Red! Stars!

This week, Claire and Sandra catch up with Hannah Davison and Kayla Sharples to talk about smashing watermelons, week four in the bubble, doing the work, playoff soccer, team chemistry, and also: Chicago

We have a winner! The Red Stars got their first victory of 2020 this weekend, taking down the Utah Royals on a slam dunk of a Casey Short header. Sandra and Claire break down mental and physical fatigue, a rough first half, going direct, figuring it out, and not getting eighth. Enjoy!

We really love talking to Red Stars.

This week, we caught up with Bianca St. Georges and Ella Stevens, two young Chicago prospects that have gotten a chance to see some real playing time for the Red Stars in their group stage matches. We chat quarantine, first starts, team bonding, turf burn, community, and much much more.

""And now, the Chicago Red Stars, missing star striker Sam Kerr, took on the North Carolina Courage in an attempt to overcome the demons of the 2019 NWSL Final..""

..just kidding, that's not really what happened at all. But what we did get was a tactical chess match, wonderful individual performances, Julie Ertz???, an unfortunate moment of blown coverage and perhaps a reason for some expectations for Chicago's final group stage match against Utah. Sandra and Claire are enjoying the soccer.

Are we having fun yet??

Sandra and Claire are now, we think, and so are the Red Stars. Wednesday's game provided a spark the Chicago needed, and we discussed what we thought about that 0-0 draw against Portland in length. We talk new kids, Scamgangery, the necessity of vocal roles and what we think might happen next against North Carolina.

Chicago played a soccer game, and we're going to talk about it! Sandra and Claire discuss the honest emotion on display on Saturday night, the Washington Spirit, new kids, good things, bad things, goofs and good goals. They also set the stage for Chicago's second group game against Portland on Wednesday, July 1st.

It has been quite the week! And we're here at Southside Trap to explain what exactly the hell is going on!

We talk Chicago's Challenge Cup Roster, why we didn't get it Monday, what changes Chicago has to their schedule, who they're playing first (it's not the Orlando Pride), and we also checked in with head coach Rory Dames to ask his thoughts on his roster, as well as how to adapt to a tournament that seems to be changing with every new hour. We also briefly preview Chicago's debut against the Washington Spirit, and why we're actually kind of stoked about it.

SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE RED STARS UNIVERSE

With the schedule for the NWSL Challenge Cup finally being announced, and the Red Stars back training in Bridgeview, we thought it was time to get the answers to all of your Red Stars questions and we went straight to the source.

We talked to Rory Dames about: where the Red Stars have been training, who has been in camp with them, what they're going to do for squad rotation, whether the season truly ends at the end of this tournament and how making sure the Black players on the Red Stars are seen and heard is personal for both him and the club.

Friends, Romans, Colleagues, Chicagoans

Welcome to the last episode of Days of Red Stars Past. It's been a journey, but we're getting to the point where we need a little bit more history to happen before we can look back on it again.

So! We discussed: the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and (briefly) 2019 post-season, and wrapped everything up with a hopeful look to the future.

We also wanted to highlight the good work of the Brave Space Alliance, and we'll be trying to continue to amplify the people doing the work in our fair city. Enjoy y'all, and here's to brighter days.