Photo Credit: Gretchen Schneider/Chicago Stars FC
The Chicago Stars earned just their fourth win of the season Sunday, defeating Utah Royals 3-2 to end the visitors’ franchise-record 10-game unbeaten streak. Chicago got two goals from striker Jordyn Huitema and a stunning solo effort from centerback Sam Staab to earn the victory.
Huitema, who was acquired in a preseason trade with the Reign, got the scoring started in the 20th minute, sliding in to finish off a cross from Brianna Pinto. Another Canadian, Cloé Lacasse, leveled the score for Utah just before halftime. Cece Delzer (nee Kizer) gave the Royals the lead from the penalty spot in the 54th minute. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review.
Staab evened the game up again with a brilliant direct free kick goal in the 59th minute. It was just the second direct free kick goal in club history, the first also coming from Staab.
Huitema would then secure her first brace as a Star, scoring the game-winner from a corner kick in the 86th minute. The win moves Chicago into 14th place with 12 points, five points out of playoff contention. Utah still sits among the top teams with 24 points.
