Goodbye Chicago Red Stars, Hello Chicago Stars FC

The Chicago Red Stars’ 2024 season concluded in the first round of the NWSL playoffs, marking the end of the club's time as the ‘Red Stars.’

Chicago has already begun using Chicago Stars FC in their press releases as they prepare for a crucial offseason after they snuck into the postseason as the eight-seed in the newly expanded NWSL playoffs.

The wheels fell off at the end of the year for Chicago as the team lost its final four matches (including the NWSL QF) while only scoring twice and conceding 11 in that time. Chicago’s lack of cohesive firepower in the attack, combined with summer signing Ludmila missing the final two matches due to suspension, caused the squad to stall out toward the end of head coach Lorne Donaldson’s first NWSL campaign.

Despite the lackluster end to the season, making the postseason was enough for Chicago to consider 2024 a success. After finishing dead last in the NWSL in 2023, the club needed a rebound season as it tried to re-establish itself as a relevant side to the league and its fanbase.

The infrastructure is in place for Chicago to take the next step in 2025.

It appears that there will be continuity within the front office as general manager Richard Feuz will get his first full offseason in charge of the club’s personnel alongside Lorne Donaldson and the rest of the technical staff.

The headliners on the pitch are all slated to return as well. Mallory Swanson signed a new deal ahead of the 2024 season, Ludmila and Julia Grosso signed long-term deals in the summer, and Alyssa Naeher signed on for another year with the club in the fall.

Hannah Anderson, Leilanni Nesbeth, Bea Franklin, and Jameese Joseph all showcased abilities in their rookie seasons and they'll be critical pieces as Chicago enters an offseason that no longer has a draft to acquire talent.

In an ideal world, Chicago would add at least one more game-changer in the midfield while also looking for a goalkeeper who can compete with Mackenzie Wood for the backup spot in 2025. Another young center back on the roster wouldn’t hurt, either.

Chicago Stars FC Roster Outlook Entering the Offseason

Under contract for 2025: Hannah Anderson, Jenna Bike, Ava Cook, Chardonnay Curran, Bea Franklin, Shea Groom, Julia Grosso, Jameese Joseph, Natalia Kuikka, Taylor Malham, Alyssa Naeher, Leilanni Nesbeth, Cari Roccaro, Ally Schlegel, Sam Staab, Mallory Swanson, Mackenzie Wood, and Ludmila.

Loan expired: Rosella Ayane

Free agents: Julia Bianchi, Camryn Biegalski, Ally Cook, Nádia Gomes, Sarah Griffith, Sophie Jones, Tatumn Milazzo, Maxi Rall and Sydney Schneider.