Chicago Stars vs Racing Louisville: NWSL preview for Aug. 23
Chicago Stars FC host Racing Louisville FC at Martin Stadium on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with kickoff at 1 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. In this racing louisville chicago stars rematch, Louisville seeks a fifth straight win while last-place Chicago tries to rebound from a 5-0 Houston loss under interim coach Karina Báez. Both clubs also played midweek on August 19, setting up a quick turnaround at Martin Stadium.
The Stars fell 5-0 at Shell Energy Stadium against the Houston Dash, while Racing Louisville earned a 2-1 home victory over Seattle Reign FC. Chicago sits 16th in the NWSL with a 4-15-1 record and 13 points. Louisville is 12th at 7-11-2 with 23 points, still within reach of the playoff picture.
Key Takeaways
- Kickoff is 1 p.m. CT (2 p.m. ET) at Martin Stadium in NWSL Game Week 19.
- Watch live on CBS Sports Network or stream through services such as Fubo.
- Louisville won the August 1 meeting 2-1 and holds a 6-3-2 edge in the all-time series since 2021.
- Chicago is winless in four of its last five league matches; Louisville has won four of its last five.
- Sunday's All In theme, presented by Wintrust, celebrates women's empowerment with fan activations at the stadium.
When and where is Chicago Stars vs Racing Louisville?
The match kicks off at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 23, at Martin Stadium in Chicago. It marks the second time these clubs have faced each other this season. Louisville won the first encounter 2-1 at Lynn Family Stadium on August 1.
Chicago is 3-6-2 against Racing Louisville dating back to Louisville's inaugural NWSL season in 2021. The Stars will be looking to even the score after that early-August defeat.
Why does this rematch matter for both clubs?
For Racing Louisville, three points on the road would reinforce a surge that has seen the club win four of its last five NWSL fixtures. Manager Beverly Yanez's side has beaten Seattle Reign FC, Boston Legacy FC, and Orlando Pride during that stretch, scoring ten goals across those five matches.
Chicago's situation is more urgent. The Stars have lost four and drawn one of their last five league games, scoring just one goal while conceding nine. A home result against a streaking opponent could help stabilize a campaign that has left the club at the foot of the NWSL table.
Who is coaching Chicago Stars right now?
On August 12, Karina Báez was named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season. She led the Stars for the first time during the team's Aug. 14 match at Seattle. Báez is in her third season with the club and previously focused on analytics as an assistant coach.
Before joining Chicago, Báez scouted for the Mexico Women's National Team and worked in Liga MX Femenil with Pachuca and Tigres. She later served as head coach of Pumas UNAM Femenil during the 2021-22 season.
How can fans watch on TV and streaming?
CBS Sports Network carries the broadcast in the United States. Streaming options include Fubo and other platforms that carry CBSSN, according to Chicago Stars FC. Fans attending in person can also pick up an All In scarf at the gates and explore themed activations in the Fan Zone.
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Which players and milestones are worth watching?
Defender Sam Staab leads Chicago with 1,748 minutes played across all 20 matches this season. She made her 150th regular-season NWSL start against Houston on August 19, the same night midfielder Brianna Pinto reached her 50th NWSL start. Jordyn Huitema leads the Stars with four goals.
Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was named Chicago's nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, recognizing community service off the pitch. She will partner with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.