Red Stars, Red Eleven set for Chicagoland showdown

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer and United Soccer Leagues W-League affiliate Chicago Red Eleven are gearing up for an exhibition match at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Schwaben Athletic Club, 301 Weiland Ave., in Buffalo Grove, Ill.

General admission is $10, and ages 6 and under receive free admission.

The Red Stars are without a rather large contingent of players because of national team duty. That will give plenty of other Red Stars an opportunity to stamp their presence on the first-team squad. Combine that with seeing a few familiar faces such as Red Eleven's Bonnie Young -- a former Red Star -- and a bunch of local soccer flavor, and this exhibition provides an interesting change of pace from league play.

"We're definitely looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces," Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes said. "But most importantly, this game will give some of our players who haven't played a chance to see if they can compete for a starting position for the Bay Area game."

For more, visit ChicagoRedStars.com.