Evanston, Ill. – The Orlando Pride travel to Martin Stadium on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET to face the Chicago Stars in a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season matchup. Fans in the United States can watch the game live on Victory+. This contest features two teams looking to build momentum early in the 2026 season, and a history that suggests home-field advantage will play a significant role.
The Pride are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Denver Summit on March 20th at Inter&Co Stadium, where Barbra Banda and Melissa Kössler each found the back of the net. The Stars, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current on March 22nd at home, with goals from Tessa Dellarose and Jordyn Huitema. Both teams will be aiming to translate recent performances into a crucial three points as the NWSL season progresses.
Home Advantage and Recent History
Recent encounters between Orlando and Chicago have been heavily influenced by location. In the opening match of the 2025 season, the Pride delivered a dominant 6-0 victory over the Stars at Inter&Co Stadium. However, the Stars responded with a convincing 5-2 win in September of the same year, playing on their home turf. This pattern underscores the importance of playing at Martin Stadium for Chicago, and presents a challenge for Orlando as they navigate a road contest. The NWSL, known for its competitive balance, often sees these localized advantages swing results.
Orlando’s Attacking Prowess
The Orlando Pride have started the 2026 campaign with a notable offensive surge. Through their first two matches, they’ve registered 45 total shot attempts and 19 shots on target – figures tied for the third-highest totals at this stage of an NWSL season in league history, according to available data. This aggressive attacking style, spearheaded by players like Barbra Banda, suggests a team intent on dictating play and creating scoring opportunities. The team’s ability to maintain this intensity on the road will be a key factor in Wednesday’s match.
Banda’s Record Against Chicago
Barbra Banda enters the match with a strong track record against the Chicago Stars. The forward has scored two goals in each of her last two meetings with Chicago – once during the 2024 postseason and again in March 2025. This consistent performance against the Stars suggests she poses a significant threat and will likely be a focal point of Chicago’s defensive strategy. Her ability to discover space and convert chances could prove decisive.
Coach Hines on the Quick Turnaround
Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines acknowledged the challenges of a quick turnaround between matches, but emphasized his team’s experience in handling such situations. “It’s not our first time doing this. We had a lot of experience last year with quick turnarounds,” Hines said. “So, we’ll go on the road, we’ll go to Chicago. It’ll be a different climate from how it is here in Florida, so we have to adjust to that. But it’s part of the game, it’s part of playing in NWSL, and we have to thrive in those moments. People can’t look for excuses. The game’s right in front of us, and we have to go after it and get three points.” Hines’ comments highlight the team’s focus on adaptability and resilience as they prepare for the road contest.
Current Form Breakdown
Here’s a look at the recent form for both teams:
- Orlando Pride: 1-1 draw vs. Denver Summit (March 20, 2026) – Goalscorers: Barbra Banda, Melissa Kössler
- Chicago Stars: 2-1 win vs. Kansas City Current (March 22, 2026) – Goalscorers: Tessa Dellarose, Jordyn Huitema
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s match against the Chicago Stars, the Orlando Pride will return to action on Sunday, March 29th, with a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff against Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. That game will also be broadcast on Victory+. The Pride will aim to continue building momentum as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule.
The match against the Stars represents a key opportunity for Orlando to secure valuable points on the road and establish themselves as a contender in the NWSL. The team’s attacking prowess, combined with their experience in handling quick turnarounds, will be tested against a Chicago side eager to defend their home field.
What are your predictions for the Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Stars match? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow NWSL fans.
