Chicago City Wire

Chicago Red Stars defender Natalia Kuikka has been named to the Finnish Women’s National Team roster ahead of their upcoming matches against Norway and Italy.

Kuikka will represent Finland in the final group stage qualifying matches for the 2025 Women’s European Championship as the team faces Norway on July 12 and Italy on July 16. Most recently, Kuikka started in both of Finland’s qualifying matches against the Netherlands on May 31 and June 4. The four-time Finland National Player of the Year played a full 90 minutes in both the 1-0 loss on May 31 and the 1-1 draw on June 4.

For the Red Stars this season, Kuikka has started in all 15 regular-season matches, accumulating 1,305 minutes. Kuikka currently leads the National Women’s Soccer League with 99 clearances, and her team-high of 18 blocks ranks her second in the league. Additionally, Kuikka’s passing accuracy of 80.47 percent is the highest among Red Stars players who have appeared in eight or more matches in 2024.

Following the end of the international window on July 16, Kuikka will rejoin Chicago ahead of their opening group stage play in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The Red Stars will first host fellow NWSL club Gotham FC on July 20 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, before hosting Liga MX Femenil side Chivas de Guadalajara on July 26. Tickets to all Red Stars home matches, including Chicago’s Kids Day match against Houston Dash on July 6 at noon CT, can be purchased at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.