Over the past two months Northwestern has had the pleasure of hosting the Chicago Stars for their National Women’s Soccer League season. Tillie Freed attended College night last Wednesday.
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Martin Stadium has gotten a fresh coat of paint for spring. Its typical purple decor is now swapped for the blue and red of the Stars, Chicago’s professional women’s soccer team.
Prior to their move, the Stars played at SeatGeek Stadium. Starting in 2016, they shared the field in Bridgeview with the Chicago Fire, until the Fire’s move to Soldier Field in 2019.
But The Bridgeview stadium posed a challenge for fans. By being situated around 15 miles southwest of the Loop some complained that it was difficult to get to because of traffic.
Partially for this reason, Chicago native and sports fan Mathew Bejar is excited about the move.
MATHEW BEJAR: “I just find it much more convenient.”
Northwestern students are also benefitting from the new location thanks to campus programming. Weinberg Senior Annika Macy attended the game with other RA’s as part of an event organized by residential services.
ANNIKA MACY: “I think it’s nice that they kinda have a spot that a lot of students can come to and really see and grow their fanbase and I think a lot of people in Evanston are big fans.”
Last Wednesday was College night, which meant 10 dollar student tickets and 1 dollar hot dogs. Weinberg Sophomore Eliana Salcedo enjoyed the deals with her club soccer teammates. The idea of sharing the field with these pros is thrilling for Salcedo.
ELIANA SALCEDO: “Kinda surreal, like wow they’re on the field not just where we play but where we practice. So like I’m here every week, we’re here every week. Just like doing our thing and just like se eing these professional players and people that I’ve seen and watched play growing up is just super cool. Super fun.”
Despite the benefits the new field holds, Salcedo doesn’t think Martin should be the long term home for the Stars.
SALCEDO: “In terms of them as a team I do think it is important for them to have their own field, and it feels like. I don’t know this is not something that a men’s team would ever have to do.”
But nevertheless,
SALCEDO: “For selfish reasons I like that they’re playing here because it’s so accessible to me as a student.”
Macy also recognized that while access is great for students, it is not the case for everyone in the city.
MACY: “I think it’s very disconnected from Chicago and a lot of people can’t make it up to the suburbs to come to a game.”
While the future for the Star’s permanent home remains uncertain, perhaps more pressing is the future of their season. With a 2 win and 6 loss record the team is currently ranked 14th in their league of 16. But fans like Bejar stay realistic but optimistic.
BEJAR: “Always room for improvement, I can tell you that much.”
In the game against Gotham on Wednesday, the Stars lost 2-0 after conceding a goal early in the first half. They also lost by two to the Portland Thorns on Sunday. However, with a season running through November, there is time for the team to turn their luck around.
The Stars’ next home game is Sunday May 31st against the San Diego Wave.
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For WNUR News, I’m Tillie Freed
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