The Chicago Stars got off on the right foot on Sunday against the Houston Dash, but they could not hold on to an early lead as team struggles seeped through once again.

The Stars were looking to bounce back after a very tough 6-0 loss to the reigning NWSL champion Orlando Pride last week in Florida – and unlike the sunny spring break weather in Orlando, the Stars were met with cold rain and slippery field conditions for their home opener at SeatGeek Stadium.

Things were looking up early in the contest as Stars forward Jameese Joseph opened both her and the Stars’ 2025 account in the 17th minute of play. Joseph picked the pocket of Dash defender Paige Nielsen in the box and slid a right-footed effort past goalkeeper Jane Campbell.

But the Dash responded with haste, pulling one back just three minutes later as Nielsen atoned for her mistake at the back and put a close-range left-footed shot past Alyssa Naeher.

Despite a tight midfield battle throughout the first half of the match, the Stars’ back line broke down in the 64th minute as Delanie Sheehan squared a pass across the box for Maggie Graham to give the Dash the lead.

The Stars were outplayed in possession in the end, retaining the ball only 37% of the time and completing only 320 passes compared to Houston’s 545.

Despite the unfortunate result, 17-year-old Micayla Johnson, who made her NWSL debut last week and became the Stars’ youngest-ever player, is shaping up to be a real offensive threat for Chicago as she made some impactful moves up front in the match including a shot on goal.

With key players such as forwards Mallory Swanson and Ava Cook still out of the action, the Stars will hope to have both back soon and settle into a rhythm in the upcoming matches.

The Stars will play again on March 30 against Racing Louisville FC at 3 p.m. The match will be available to watch on CBS Sports Network and on YouTube TV for streaming.