2023 Chicago Red Stars in Review: Julia Bianchi

Julia Bianchi joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2023 and quickly became a crucial member of the squad, exceeding all expectations during her first season in the NWSL.

Bianchi, 25, took some time to adjust to the American game, causing former Red Stars coach Chris Petrucelli to repeatedly praise the midfielder during the 2023 season. The American game is more physical than what Bianchi had experienced at Palmeiras, creating the need to increase her strength as the season wore on. She did and the dividends, while not immediate, will help the Red Stars going forward.

Bianchi benefited the most from the absence of Mallory Swanson in 2023, dutifully handling Chicago’s set-piece service in place of the Red Stars’ injured superstar. Bianchi ended the NWSL season tied for second in the league with five assists, all of which came after May 1. Bianchi provided 33 shot-creating actions, per fbref, while setting a career high in club appearances (25) and starts (19).

Bianchi’s on-pitch highlight of the season, naturally, came from an assist she created from a corner kick. The Red Stars were trailing the North Carolina Courage 1-0 in the second half on Aug. 27 when Bianchi stepped up to take a corner kick in the 63rd minute. She played a perfect ball to Tatumn Milazzo at the near post and Milazzo headed the cross into the net to secure a Red Stars' point on the road in Cary. The assist was Bianchi’s fourth of the season from a corner kick, good for the team lead in that category.