Tessa Dellarose scores first pro goal as Chicago Stars upset Kansas City
Sunday’s clash between Chicago Stars FC and the Kansas City Current had the wind making its presence felt all game long. Despite difficult conditions, Chicago delivered a gritty home-opening performance, earning a 2–1 win over Kansas City in a match defined by resilience. From the opening whistle at Chicago’s new home, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, the wind turned into a swirling, unpredictable arena where long balls hung in the air took on a life of their own.
It wasn’t pretty soccer at times, but taking home the three points after opening week’s defeat against Angel City FC must have felt good. The Current’s early attacks with shots by Izzy Rodriguez in the 13th minute and Michelle Cooper’s stunning one from the right field in the 27th minute could not pass Chicago’s goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Last season’s Shield winners’ typically attack-minded strategy struggled to establish rhythm as the wind disrupted their build-up play.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute, born from exactly the kind of chaos the weather encouraged. A half-cleared Chicago corner didn’t travel far against the wind, dropping invitingly at the top of the box. Chicago’s rookie midfielder Tessa Dellarose reacted quickest, stepping into the loose ball and driving a low shot through a crowd of bodies, past the Current’s goalkeeper and nestling into the net.
Last week, Dellarose made her professional debut in the 72nd minute against ACFC, finishing the match with a 90% passing accuracy. Against Kansas City, the 21-year-old midfielder scored Chicago’s first goal of the season. The Current attempted to respond before halftime, but Chicago’s defensive unit remained compact and disciplined.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Kansas seeing more of the ball but struggling to turn possession into meaningful chances. Chicago, meanwhile, grew increasingly confident in their approach, leaning into the physicality and unpredictability caused by the wind that defined the second half. Their reward came in the 50th minute through Jordyn Huitema, making an immediate impact at her new club.