Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Chicago Red Stars W welcome Washington Spirit W to Martin Stadium on 20 September 2026 in a Group Stage clash in the NWSL Women that pits one of the league’s strugglers against a genuine title contender. With Chicago rooted to the bottom end of the table and Washington chasing top spot, this fixture carries very different stakes for each side.

Chicago sit 16th with just 17 points from 24 matches, a goal difference of -40 and only 14 goals scored all season. Survival and pride are the key motivations now, as they look to halt a worrying run and respond in front of their home fans. Washington, by contrast, are 2nd on 43 points, boasting 33 goals scored and one of the strongest defensive records in the division. They are firmly in the hunt for the NWSL Women Play Offs quarter-finals and cannot afford to slip up against the league’s weakest attack.

Recent head-to-head meetings suggest Washington Spirit W generally have the upper hand, but Chicago have sprung surprises before. With Washington heavily favoured by both the stats and the betting markets, this looks like a classic top-vs-bottom encounter where the underdog must find a way to disrupt a far superior opponent.

Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W Key Stats

• Chicago Red Stars W are 16th with 17 points from 24 matches, scoring 14 and conceding 54 in the NWSL Women standings.
• The last meeting between these sides on 31 August 2025 at Audi Field ended 1-1 in the NWSL Women Regular Season.
• Season statistics show Chicago averaging just 0.6 goals scored and 2.3 conceded per match, while Washington average 1.4 scored and 1.0 conceded across 24 games.

Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 16 vs 2
• Points: 17 vs 43
• Goals For: 14 vs 33
• Goals Against: 54 vs 23
• Clean Sheets: Chicago Red Stars W 3, Washington Spirit W 9 (tournament statistics across 24 matches each)

Across 24 league matches, Chicago’s numbers underline just how tough this season has been: 5 wins, 2 draws and 17 defeats, with a -40 goal difference. They have conceded more than twice as many goals as they have scored, and their recent form string of DLLWL in the standings reflects a side that struggles to put together consistent performances.

Washington Spirit W, by contrast, have 13 wins, 4 draws and only 7 losses from the same number of games. Their +10 goal difference and strong away record (7 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses; 18 scored, 10 conceded) make them one of the most balanced outfits in the competition. With a standings form of LWWLD, they have been winning far more often than not and remain firmly in the race at the top end of the table.

Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W Key Matchups

M. Swanson vs T. Rodman

Chicago’s attacking threat is likely to be led by Mallory Swanson, one of the most recognisable forwards in the Red Stars squad list. She will be central to any counter-attacking plan, especially given Chicago’s low scoring average of 0.6 goals per match and the fact they have failed to score in 16 of 24 league games this season. Her pace and direct running will be vital in exploiting any rare gaps in Washington’s well-organised back line.

On the other side, Washington’s star is Trinity Rodman, who appears in both the top scorers and top assists lists. Across 24 NWSL Women appearances, Rodman has 8 goals and 4 assists, underlining her dual threat as both finisher and creator. She has taken 56 shots with 24 on target, completed 470 passes with 23 key passes, and drawn 33 fouls, highlighting how often she forces defenders into mistakes. Her work rate is backed up by 28 tackles and 17 interceptions, making her a complete modern attacker who can press from the front and drive transitions.

A. Naeher vs Washington Spirit W front line

Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will likely be under heavy pressure against one of the league’s more efficient attacks. Chicago concede an average of 2.3 goals per game and have already suffered heavy defeats, including a 0-6 home loss in their biggest margin of defeat. Naeher’s experience will be crucial in organising a defence that has allowed 54 goals and often struggles in the 46–75 minute window, where a significant share of their concessions occur.

Washington’s forward unit, built around Rodman and supported by players like Ashley Hatch and S. Cantore, averages 1.4 goals per match and has produced some big away wins, including a 2-4 result on the road. With nine clean sheets at the other end, they can afford to be patient in attack, knowing that one or two clear chances may be enough against the league’s leakiest defence.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These two clubs have met frequently in recent NWSL seasons, with Washington generally enjoying the better results but Chicago often keeping games competitive.

• 31 August 2025: Washington Spirit W 1-1 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women)
• 10 May 2025: Chicago Red Stars W 2-3 Washington Spirit W (NWSL Women)
• 20 October 2024: Washington Spirit W 2-0 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women)
• 31 July 2024: Washington Spirit W 2-3 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL - Liga MXF Summer Cup)
• 2 May 2024: Chicago Red Stars W 2-4 Washington Spirit W (NWSL Women)

Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W Prediction

All indicators point towards Washington Spirit W being overwhelming favourites. The prediction model assigns only a 10% chance to a Chicago win, with 45% each for a draw and a Washington victory. That effectively frames this as a “Washington or draw” scenario, reinforced by Washington’s superior form, stronger attack and far more secure defence.

Chicago’s main hope lies in making this a scrappy, low-tempo contest and capitalising on set pieces or individual moments from players like Swanson or J. Huitema. However, their record of just 14 goals in 24 matches, combined with conceding heavily—particularly in the second half—suggests that once Washington find a rhythm, the pressure may become overwhelming.

Washington’s away numbers (18 scored, 10 conceded) and nine clean sheets overall indicate they are well equipped to manage games on the road. With Rodman in form and a back line that concedes only 1.0 goal per match on average, they should control territory and chances, even if the final margin is not huge.

Predicted Score: Chicago Red Stars W 0-2 Washington Spirit W

Chicago Red Stars W Recent Form

Chicago’s recent form in the standings reads DLLWL, reflecting one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five league outings. Over the full 24-match campaign, they have managed just 5 wins, with 17 losses and a -40 goal difference. They average 0.6 goals scored and 2.3 conceded per game, and have failed to score in 16 of those 24 fixtures.

Washington Spirit W Recent Form

Washington’s standings form of LWWLD shows a side that still wins regularly despite the occasional setback. Across 24 matches they have 13 wins, 4 draws and 7 defeats, with 33 goals scored and only 23 conceded. Their recent five-match sample in the prediction data also shows a stronger defensive profile than attacking, with 6 goals conceded and 4 scored, but crucially they remain hard to beat.

Chicago Red Stars W Possible Starting Lineup

GK: A. Naeher; Defenders: Elise Evans, A. Farmer, S. Staab, Maitane López; Midfielders: Leila Ouahabi, B. Franklin, B. Pinto, M. Hayashi; Forwards: M. Swanson, J. Huitema.

Chicago have rotated through several formations this season, most commonly 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1. Given their defensive vulnerabilities, a double-pivot setup in front of the back four is likely, with Swanson and Huitema tasked with stretching Washington on the break. The key tactical challenge will be protecting central areas where they have often been overrun, especially after half-time.

Washington Spirit W Possible Starting Lineup

GK: S. MacIver; Defenders: G. Carle, L. Di Guglielmo, E. Morgan, Kate Wiesner; Midfielders: A. Sullivan, D. Abiodun, L. Santos; Forwards: T. Rodman, Ashley Hatch, S. Cantore.

Washington favour a 4-2-3-1 shape, used in 14 matches, but have also deployed 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3. Expect a flexible front four built around Rodman and Hatch, with Santos and Abiodun providing control and progression from midfield. Their tactical identity combines solid defensive structure—reflected in 9 clean sheets and just 1.0 goal conceded per game—with quick transitions that can punish Chicago’s porous back line.

Chicago Red Stars W Team News

No significant absences reported.

Washington Spirit W Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Chicago Red Stars W:

• None reported.

Washington Spirit W:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back Washington Spirit W to win. Prediction probabilities give Chicago only a 10% chance of victory, with 45% each on the draw and Washington win. The market strongly agrees: away odds range from 1.22 to 1.30, implying an away win probability between approximately 76.9% (1 ÷ 1.30 × 100) and 82.0% (1 ÷ 1.22 × 100). Given Washington’s 13 wins from 24 and Chicago’s 17 defeats, the away win is the logical play.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. Chicago average just 0.6 goals scored per match and have gone over 2.5 goals in only 2 of 24 league games, while Washington concede just 1.0 per game. Although some H2H meetings have been high scoring, the current season profiles point to Washington controlling the game and limiting chaos. Look for an Under 3.5 or even Under 2.5 line if the price is reasonable.
• Value Tip: T. Rodman to score anytime. Rodman has 8 goals and 4 assists in 24 appearances, with 56 shots and 24 on target, making her Washington’s primary goal threat. Against a defence that has conceded 54 times and suffered heavy defeats, backing Rodman in the goalscorer markets offers appealing upside, especially if priced at plus money compared with the very short match odds on Washington.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.