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

Washington Spirit W travel to Martin Stadium on 20 September 2026 for a NWSL Women group-stage clash that pits promotion contenders against a side fighting at the very bottom of the table. Chicago Red Stars W are rooted in 16th place with just 17 points from 24 matches, while Washington Spirit W sit 2nd on 43 points and are tracking toward the NWSL Women Play Offs quarter-finals.

For Chicago, this is about damage limitation and pride. They own the league’s worst goal difference at -40, having scored only 14 times and conceded 54. Any positive result here would be a major upset and a potential springboard toward a more respectable finish. Washington, by contrast, are looking to keep pressure on the top spot; with 33 goals scored and only 23 conceded, they have been one of the most balanced outfits in the competition.

Recent head-to-head history in the NWSL Women and the NWSL - Liga MXF Summer Cup suggests a nuanced rivalry, with both clubs taking turns to edge tight encounters. However, the current league context, recent form, and the betting markets all tilt heavily toward Washington Spirit W extending their strong 2026 campaign.

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 (goal difference -40).
• The last NWSL Women meeting on 31 August 2025 at Audi Field ended Washington Spirit W 1-1 Chicago Red Stars W.
• Season statistics show Washington Spirit W have kept 9 clean sheets across 24 matches, compared with just 3 for Chicago Red Stars W.

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)

The standings underline just how stark the gap is between these two sides. Chicago Red Stars W have managed only 5 wins in 24 outings, with 2 draws and 17 defeats. Their attack is averaging 0.6 goals per match, while the defence is leaking 2.3 per game. At home they have been slightly better (4 wins from 11), but still concede an average of 2.0 goals at Martin Stadium.

Washington Spirit W, meanwhile, have built a strong promotion push on both ends of the pitch. With 13 wins, 4 draws, and 7 defeats from 24 matches, they average 1.4 goals scored and just 1.0 conceded. They have been particularly impressive away from home, winning 7 of 12 away fixtures and conceding only 10 goals on the road. On current trends, Washington look far better equipped to control this match and create higher-quality chances.

Chicago Red Stars W vs Washington Spirit W Key Matchups

M. Swanson vs T. Rodman

Chicago’s attacking hope will naturally gravitate toward a proven forward like M. Swanson, whose pace and direct running are crucial if the hosts are to exploit any space behind Washington’s back line. She will be tasked with stretching a defence that has allowed just 23 goals all season and has produced 9 clean sheets. Given Chicago’s low scoring average, Swanson’s ability to convert rare chances will be pivotal.

On the other side, Washington Spirit W can lean heavily on T. Rodman, one of the standout performers in the league. Across 24 appearances and 1,781 minutes, Rodman has delivered 8 goals and 4 assists, underlining her dual threat as both scorer and creator. She has fired 56 shots with 24 on target, produced 23 key passes from 470 total passes, and drawn 33 fouls, showing how difficult she is to contain. Her 72 dribble attempts and 102 duels won highlight how often she drives at defences and wins individual battles — precisely the kind of profile that can torment a fragile Chicago back line conceding 2.3 goals per game.

A. Sullivan vs Chicago midfield unit

In midfield, A. Sullivan offers Washington control and balance. In 18 appearances (7 starts) and 619 minutes, she has completed 260 passes at an 86% accuracy rate, adding 10 tackles and 10 interceptions. While she has yet to score or assist, her ability to recycle possession and break up play will be central to Washington’s plan to suffocate Chicago’s build-up. Chicago’s midfield will need to disrupt Sullivan’s rhythm and passing lanes to prevent Washington from dictating tempo and territory for long spells.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These sides have met frequently in recent seasons across league and cup, with tight scorelines and several draws mixed in. The balance of recent results tilts toward Washington, but Chicago have shown they can spring an upset on their day.

• 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 toward Washington Spirit W having the upper hand. Chicago’s recent form is poor, with a run dominated by defeats and heavy scorelines. Their season-long defensive record is the worst in the league, and they have failed to score in 16 of 24 matches. Washington, by contrast, combine a solid defence with a functional attack and have been particularly efficient away from home.

The prediction model gives Chicago only a 10% chance of victory, with a 45% probability each for a draw and an away win. That aligns with the head-to-head trend of close games but also reflects Washington’s clear superiority in 2026. Expect the visitors to control possession, generate more shots, and rely on the likes of T. Rodman to unlock a vulnerable Chicago back line. Chicago may create the odd chance on transitions, but sustaining pressure over 90 minutes looks unlikely.

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

Chicago Red Stars W Recent Form

Chicago’s recent form is troubling. Their latest five-match sequence in the standings reads DLLWL, a run featuring just one win, one draw, and three defeats. Over the broader 24-match sample, they have lost 17 times and conceded heavily, including their biggest home defeat of 0-6 and an away 6-1 loss. With only 3 clean sheets all season and frequent failures to score, momentum is firmly against them heading into this fixture.

Washington Spirit W Recent Form

Washington Spirit W arrive in much better shape. Their recent form string is LWWLD, reflecting two wins, one draw, and two defeats in the latest five matches, but the longer trend is strong, featuring a maximum winning streak of five. Across 24 games they have recorded 13 victories and only 7 losses, and their defensive resilience — conceding just 23 goals and keeping 9 clean sheets — has underpinned consistent results both home and away.

Chicago Red Stars W Possible Starting Lineup

GK: A. Naeher or K. Lund; Defenders: Elise Evans, A. Farmer, S. Staab, T. Malham, T. E. Dellarose; Midfielders: Leila Ouahabi, E. Egizii, B. Franklin, A. Gasper, M. Hayashi, Maitane López, B. Pinto; Forwards: J. Grosso, J. Bike, S. Charley, R. Gareis, Nádia Gomes, J. Huitema, M. Swanson, M. Alozie, Jameese Joseph, M. Johnson.

Chicago have used a variety of systems this season, most commonly 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, as reflected in their tactical statistics. Expect a back four shielded by a compact midfield in an attempt to limit space for Washington’s attackers. The presence of experienced internationals like A. Naeher and M. Swanson provides leadership, but the unit has struggled to maintain defensive cohesion and attacking fluency across 90 minutes.

Washington Spirit W Possible Starting Lineup

GK: K. Collins or S. MacIver; Defenders: G. Carle, L. Di Guglielmo, M. Haugen, P. Metayer, E. Morgan, T. McKeown, É. Tsé, Kate Wiesner; Midfielders: D. Abiodun, M. Bethi, Hal Hershfelt, M. Ngock, L. Santos, M. Skurcenski, A. Sullivan; Forwards: S. Cantore, E. Gaines-Ramos, Ashley Hatch, R. Kouassi, C. Martinez Ovando, G. Monday, T. Rodman, Tamara Bolt.

Washington’s preferred shape has been 4-2-3-1, used in 14 matches, with 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3 as alternatives. A back four protected by players like A. Sullivan allows attacking talents such as T. Rodman and Ashley Hatch to operate higher up the pitch. With a strong away record and a well-drilled defensive unit, they are likely to set up to control possession and exploit the wide areas against Chicago’s vulnerable flanks.

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. The prediction model gives Chicago only a 10% chance of victory, with Washington favoured alongside the draw at 45% each. The odds for an away win range from 1.22 to 1.30, implying an approximate probability between 76.9% (1 ÷ 1.30 × 100) and 82.0% (1 ÷ 1.22 × 100). Given Washington’s 13 wins from 24 matches and Chicago’s 17 defeats, the away win is the logical play.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. Chicago average 0.6 goals scored and 2.3 conceded per match, while Washington average 1.4 scored and 1.0 conceded. Washington’s defensive solidity and Chicago’s blunt attack suggest a controlled away performance rather than a goal fest. Look for under-goals prices in line with the market’s expectation of a one-sided but not necessarily high-scoring contest.
• Value Tip: T. Rodman to score anytime. With 8 goals and 4 assists in 24 appearances, plus 56 shots and 24 on target, Rodman is Washington’s primary attacking weapon. Against a Chicago defence that has already conceded 54 goals, her individual numbers point to strong value in any goalscorer market, especially if priced at plus-money relative to the heavy away-win odds.

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