The Chicago Stars’ first win of the season a week ago was to be a staunch confidence builder for the team, which, after three straight losses to begin the season, seemed to be finding a groove.

[Watch Ludmila score two goals; Stars FC grabs first win of NWSL season]

The Stars were on their way to securing another point on the road before they fell 1-0 in dramatic fashion to Utah Royals FC, allowing a penalty to Ally Sentnor in the 10th minute of added time after the full 90 was played.

VAR conducted a check on a foul inside the box from Cari Rocarro, eventually awarding Utah a spot kick and their first win of the season.

Despite scoring an emphatic brace in last week’s win 2-1 over Bay FC, Ludmila struggled to find the back of the net in Utah. The Brazilian international had multiple big chances in front of goal but a few heavy touches meant she could not get a shot off in time.

The 30-year-old, who joined Chicago from Atletico Madrid last July, has still proven to be lethal up front in her short time with the Stars, scoring three goals in her six appearances for the club thus far.

Roccaro made her 47th start for the club, moving her into second all-time in the franchise’s history behind Danny Colaprico.

Forward Ava Cook was officially available off the bench and entered the game in the 79th minute, seeing action for the first time since she tore her ACL in April of 2024.

Star forward Mallory Swanson remains away from the team with an excused absence. Swanson has not made a NWSL appearance yet this season.

The Stars return to Chicago on April 26 to host San Diego Wave FC at 6:30 p.m.