NWSL Power Rankings: Every team’s strengths and weaknesses

8. Chicago Red Stars

Strength: Adaptability

With the unfortunate news of a Mal Swanson injury, all eyes were on the Red Stars this week and their match against the Kansas City Current. But Chicago was not thrown by the lack of Swanson, and showed up with a four to two victory. They answered the Mal Swanson question by starting the brilliant Cheyna Matthews who had an exceptional showing. Also, worth mentioning that rookie Penelope Hocking scored her first goal and then scored another for good measure to earn a brace. The Red Stars proved they can do it without Mal, and they intend to continue to prove they’re still playoff contenders.

Weakness: Passing out of the backline

Right now, the Red Stars are struggling with the connection between their stellar defense and their midfield. Often playing in a three-back, this leaves a lot of space in the wings for outside backs to get forward, but results in consistent problems when Davidson is left to anchor the center alone. Their passing networks have been snubbed out at midfield, and they need to figure out how to get the ball further upfield.