Evaluating the Four Chicago Stars Rookie Debuts vs Orlando Pride

The Chicago Stars didn’t start their 2025 season on a good note.

Chicago dropped their season opener 6-0 to the Orlando Pride and largely looked out of place against the defending NWSL Champions.

The Stars were down 3-0 moments into the second half and that forced head coach Lorne Donaldson to start dispatching his bench, which included giving four rookies their NWSL debuts in Florida.

Here’s a look at the four Chicago Stars who made their NWSL debut in Orlando:

Micayla Johnson

Johnson had Chicago’s best chances of the match after coming into the contest for Nádia Gomes in the 64th minute. The 17-year-old won the free kick in the 82nd minute the Chicago was inches from scoring from on the subsequent set piece and won her side a corner kick in the match’s dying moments as the Stars were just trying to get on the scoresheet in Orlando. 

Johnson was easily the most impressive of Chicago’s rookies and you could see the talent that made the Stars sign the teenager. If Gomes is the only other healthy option on Chicago’s roster at the left wing spot, Johnson should already be starting over her.

Justina Gaynor

Chicago announced that they had signed Gaynor to a NWSL deal in the days leading up to the Stars’ opener in Orlando and the former Michigan State Spartants standout got on the pitch in the 64th minute to replace Camryn Biegalski at right back. 

Gaynor had 18 touches, completed three passes into the final third, had three recoveries and won two duels in her limited run off the bench.

Manaka Hayashi

Manaka Hayashi only came off the bench in the 85th minute for Shea Groom, limiting her time on the pitch in her NWSL debut. Hayashi, 20, had three touches and created three chances with them, though it wasn’t enough to help Chicago get on the scoresheet. Hayashi remains an intriguing option on Chicago’s midfield going forward.

Catherine Barry

A last-minute addition to Chicago’s roster ahead of the commencement of the 2025 NWSL season, Barry spent the preseason with the Stars before being signed to a roster relief contract ahead of their season opener. 

Barry replaced Ally Schlegel in the center of Chicago’s attack in the 79th minute and she managed ten touches but both of her shots were blocked, though she did win two duels in her brief appearance.

What’s On Tap Next?

Chicago will host the Houston Dash for their home opener at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on March 23. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on Paramount+ and locally on Fox32.