Chicago Red Stars

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Chicago Red Stars
Chicago Red Stars logo.svg
Founded2006; 15 years ago (2006)
StadiumSeatGeek Stadium
Bridgeview, Illinois
Capacity20,000
Majority ownerArnim Whisler
Head coachRory Dames
LeagueNational Women's Soccer League
2020Regular season and playoffs: Canceled
Challenge Cup: Runners-up
: 6th of 9
WebsiteClub website
Away colors
Third colors

The Chicago Red Stars are a professional women's soccer club based in Bridgeview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. A founding member of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league, they have played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) since 2013.

WPS was the NWSL's predecessor as the professional women's soccer league in the United States, and the Red Stars played in the WPS in 2009 and 2010. After leaving the WPS in December 2010 due to the league's financial issues, the club joined the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) for the 2011 season.[1] In 2012, the Red Stars co-founded and played in Women's Premier Soccer League Elite (WPSL-E): a one-year league which bridged the WPS and the NWSL. The club became a founding member of the NWSL, which was financially supported by U.S. Soccer, in 2012.

The Red Stars play their home games at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. In December 2020, they held the record for the longest active playoff streak (2015–2019) in the NWSL.

History[]

Women's Professional Soccer[]

Establishment[]

In 2006, it was announced that Chicago would field a team in a new women's professional soccer league. The team joined six others (Washington Freedom, Boston Breakers, Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride, Sky Blue FC, and Saint Louis Athletica) in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) for the league's inaugural season in 2009.[2][3] Marcia McDermott, former head coach of the Northwestern University women's soccer team and the Women's United Soccer Association's Carolina Courage, was named as the Red Stars' general manager.[4]

On June 3, 2008, the "Red Stars" name was announced at a Toyota Park ceremony. The name refers to the four six-pointed red stars on the flag of Chicago. Each star represents a landmark event in Chicago history: Fort Dearborn, the Great Chicago Fire, the 1893 World's Fair, and the 1933 World's Fair. Other names considered were Progress, Towers, Union, Blues, 1871, and Wind.[5] "Red Stars" was chosen by popular vote in a two-month fan poll.[6]

2009 season[]

Main article: 2009 Chicago Red Stars season

The Red Stars won their first game of the season, 1–0, at Saint Louis Athletica. They followed with two ties (1–1 at Washington Freedom and 0–0 hosting Sky Blue FC) and a 4–0 shutout of the Boston Breakers at Toyota Park. This was the best starting record of any team in the league except season champions Los Angeles Sol, seeming to live up to preseason predictions.

The team was then winless for its next nine games (with three away draws), including a 451-minute scoring drought. The Washington Freedom, scored first in their next game, indicating that the streak would continue. However, the Red Stars came from behind to win 2–1. They defeated last-place FC Gold Pride 3–1 in their next game before losing four of their last five games, eliminating them from the playoffs and ending the season in sixth place. The Red Stars finished second in league attendance in 2009, behind the LA Sol.

Agreeing to see the Red Stars through their first season, Peter Wilt stepped down as CEO at the end of 2009 to become general manager of the Milwaukee Wave (his hometown NISL team). General manager Marcia McDermott assumed many of Wilt's responsibilities, although he continued to support the team on the league's board of governors and as president of the Chicago Red Stars Charitable Foundation.[7]

2010 season[]

Main article: 2010 Chicago Red Stars season

The Red Stars began their second season with high hopes and new faces.[8] They lost their first game at Sky Blue FC 1–0, after dominating much of the game. A 1–1 home tie in their second game earned the Stars their first point of the season. After a successful season, the team left WPS on December 13 because they were unable to meet the league's funding requirements for the 2011 season; the league folded in 2011 for financial and legal reasons.[9][10]

2011 Women's Premier Soccer League season[]

Main article: 2011 Chicago Red Stars season

The Red Stars joined the Women's Premier Soccer League in 2011.[11][12] They played their home games at Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex,[13] in west-suburban Chicago.

The roster consisted of players from the women's national team U-20 and U-23 pools and collegiate players. The first players announced included three with WPS experience, including two from the Red Stars' 2010 squad.[14] The team was coached by Chicago native Rory Dames, and continued their activity in the Chicago soccer community through their soccer camps.[15]

The Red Stars finished the regular season with a 10–1 record, hosting the playoff semifinals and championship matches.[16] Defeating Tampa Bay Hellenic 2–1 in their semifinal, they lost in overtime by the same score in the final to the Orange County Waves (another WPSL team with WPS connections; Brittany Klein, a 2009–10 Red Stars player, was on the Waves).

2012 Women's Premier Soccer League Elite season[]

Main article: 2012 Chicago Red Stars season

In 2012, the Red Stars joined the former WPS Boston Breakers and Western New York Flash to found the WPSL Elite League. Five other former WPSL teams joined the league: ASA Chesapeake Charge, F.C. Indiana, New England Mutiny, New York Fury, and Philadelphia Fever.[17]

The Red Stars finished fourth in the league, making the playoffs. They advanced to the final, where they lost to the Flash in a 2–4 penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw at the end of extra time. Red Stars Ella Masar and Lori Chalupny were injured on the same play in the 33rd minute. WNY scored the equalizer in regulation with a 40-yard goal in the 97th minute to reach overtime. The Red Stars won the 2012 National Women's Cup with half their roster, since the cup final was played at the same time as their final WPSL Elite regular-season match against the eventual third-place New York Fury.

National Women's Soccer League[]

In November 2012, the Red Stars co-founded and was one of the original eight teams in a yet-to-be-named women's professional soccer league in concert with United States Soccer Federation, the Canadian Soccer Association, and the Mexican Football Federation.[18][19] The league began competition in spring 2013.

2013 season[]

Main article: 2013 Chicago Red Stars season

All NWSL teams received an allocation of USWNT players, and the Red Stars received Shannon Boxx, Amy LePeilbet, and Keelin Winters; only Boxx had limited playing time that season. The Red Stars began the season with two draws and four losses. The mid-season arrival of Germans Sonja Fuss and Inka Grings revived the team somewhat, but not enough to qualify for the playoffs. The Red Stars played 22 matches with eight wins, six draws, and eight losses to finish the season in sixth place.

2014 season[]

Main article: 2014 Chicago Red Stars season

In 2014, the Red Stars finished in fifth place. The club was waiting for United States international player Christen Press to join after completing her commitment to a European club, and the Canadian international player Melissa Tancredi to gain full fitness after college. The team signed two other internationals, Abby Erceg and Emily van Egmond, in May. Despite the late arrival of international stars, at the end of May the team had six wins, one draw, and two losses; its performance was aided by rookies Julie Johnston, Vanessa DiBernardo, Hayley Brock, young players Jen Hoy, Rachel Quon, veterans Lori Chalupny and Michelle Wenino, and goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc. With a mid-season slump (one win in 11 matches during June and July), the team did not qualify for the playoffs and was edged out by head-to-head results with the Washington Spirit.

2015 season[]

Main article: 2015 Chicago Red Stars season

The Red Stars began the 2015 season with three home games: a 3–2 win over the previous season's Supporting Shield winner Seattle Reign FC, a 2–2 draw with Portland Thorns FC, and a 1–0 win against Sky Blue FC. Christen Press scored four of the club's first five goals, and was named the April Player of the Month. Red Stars who were also members of the national team were training for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup during weeks five and six. Rookie Sofia Huerta scored multiple goals in two matches, and was named the NWSL Player of the Week for weeks five and six and the May NWSL Player of the Month.[20] The team was in first place from week four to week 13 of the regular season, ultimately finishing second. In the playoffs, they lost the semi-final to FC Kansas City.

2016 season[]

Main article: 2016 Chicago Red Stars season

The team ended the regular season in third place, and advanced to the playoffs. They played the semi-final at Boyds, Maryland against the Washington Spirit on September 30, losing 2–1. The Red Stars returned to Toyota Park for home games for the first time since their 2010 WPS season.

2017 season[]

Main article: 2017 Chicago Red Stars season

For the third consecutive season, the Red Stars made the post-season playoffs. They were eliminated in the semi-final, losing 1–0 to the North Carolina Courage in Cary with a goal in the 89th minute.

2018 season[]

Main article: 2018 Chicago Red Stars season

For the team's tenth season and sixth in the NWSL, the team qualified for the fourth consecutive year for the playoffs and lost 2–0 in the semifinal to the North Carolina Courage.

2019 season[]

Main article: 2019 Chicago Red Stars season

The Red Stars made the finals for the first time in NWSL history, clinching their fifth consecutive playoff spot on September 21, 2019, after defeating the Washington Spirit 3–1. Forward Sam Kerr scored her 18th goal of the season in that game, breaking the record for goals scored in an NWSL season which she had set with Sky Blue FC in 2017.[21] The Red Stars defeated the Portland Thorns 1–0 in a semifinal home game, and lost 4–0 to the North Carolina Courage in the final. Their season record was 14 wins, two draws, and eight losses.[22]

Crest and colors[]

Two costumed team mascots; the Chicago Fire mascot is a Dalmatian dog.
Chicago Fire mascot Sparky at a Red Stars game with Supernova, the Red Stars mascot

The club's original primary logo combined two Chicago images; the shape of the shield is taken from its equivalent in Chicago's city seal. The colors, stripes, and stars in the logo are inspired by the symbolism of Chicago's municipal flag, with the blue stripes representing the two branches of the Chicago River. The club's primary and secondary logos were updated at the beginning of the 2018 season by a design team headed by Julie Rochelle.

Stadiums[]

See also: List of National Women's Soccer League stadiums

During the team's membership in Women's Professional Soccer, the Chicago Red Stars played at Toyota Park. Now known as SeatGeek Stadium, it is a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium which was the home of the Chicago Fire FC from 2006 to 2019.[23] From 2011 to 2015, in the Women's Premier Soccer League, Women's Premier Soccer League Elite league and National Women's Soccer League, the Red Stars played at the 3,000-seat Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.[24][25][26]

During the club's 2012 WPSL Elite season, some matches were played at the Concordia University Chicago Athletic Complex in River Forest, Illinois[27] and the Lakeside Athletic Field at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois due to renovation at Benedictine University.[28][29] In December 2015, the Chicago Red Stars announced their return to Toyota Park for their 2016 NWSL home games.[30]

Ownership[]

WPS (2009–2010)[]

The Chicago Professional Women's Soccer investor group owned the Red Stars from 2009 to 2010, during the team's membership in Women's Professional Soccer. Its April 2010 management group was Gary Weaver, Jim Willett, and Arnim Whisler, and the Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL) was a partner. In addition to the IWSL, the team ownership included shareholders John (Jack) Cummins, Robert and Susan Morrison, Jim and Kathi Willett, Dale Weaver, Gary Weaver, Pin Ni, Dong Li, Arnim Whisler, Dean Egerter, Stephen Ritchie and Peter Wilt.[31]

WPSL (2011), WPSL E (2012), and NWSL (2013–2020)[]

Arnim Whisler took over the team after the 2010 season, and continued to operate it for the 2011 season in the WPSL while helping to reorganize the WPS.[32] Whisler remained its sole owner until 2021.[33]

NWSL (2021–present)[]

On March 1, 2021, the Red Stars announced a new ownership group led by co-founder (and majority owner) Arnim Whisler and his family. In addition to Whisler, the ownership group is led by founding members Dean Egerter and Steve Ritchie and includes additional members Jessie Becker, Julie Haddon, Israel Idonije, Jordan Levin, Abel Lezcano, Colleen Mares, Michael Raimondi, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Michael Schofield, Sarah Spain, Marie Tillman, Brian Walsh, Kevin Willer, and David M. Zapata.[34]

Broadcasting[]

See also: National Women's Soccer League § Broadcasting

It was announced on April 17, 2019 that NBC Sports Chicago would be the Red Stars' new regional broadcaster, televising all regular-season matches (beginning with their second match of the 2019 season). Seven 2019 matches were scheduled to be carried on its overflow channel, NBC Sports Chicago Plus.[35]

Team standings and statistics[]

Key[]

Champions Runners-up

Seasons[]

Results of league and cup competitions by season
Season Division P W D L F A Pts Pos League
Playoffs 		Open
Cup
League WPSL CRS RESERVES
2009 WPS 20 5 5 10 18 25 20 6th DNQ DNE
2010 WPS 24 7 6 11 21 27 27 6th[a] DNQ DNE
2011 WPSL 10 8 1 1 38 7 25 1st[b][36] Runners-up [37][38] DNE
2012 WPSL E 14 9 1 4 26 11 28 4th Runners-up [39] Winners
2013 NWSL 22 8 6 8 32 36 30 6th DNQ DNE
2014 NWSL 24 9 8 7 32 26 35 5th DNQ DNE
2015 NWSL 20 8 9 3 31 22 33 2nd Semifinals DNE National champions
2016 NWSL 20 9 6 5 24 20 33 3rd Semifinals DNE Midwest champions
2017 NWSL 24 11 6 7 33 30 39 4th Semifinals DNE Semifinalists
2018 NWSL 24 9 10 5 38 28 37 4th Semifinals DNE Semifinalists
2019 NWSL 24 14 2 8 41 28 44 2nd Runners-up Quarterfinalists

Players and coaches[]

Current squad[]

As of April 9, 2021.[40]
No. Pos. Player Nation
1 GK Alyssa Naeher  United States
2 FW Kealia Watt  United States
3 DF Arin Wright  United States
4 MF Alyssa Mautz  United States
5 FW Rachel Hill  United States
6 DF Casey Krueger  United States
7 MF Nikki Stanton  United States
8 MF Julie Ertz  United States
9 FW Mallory Pugh  United States
10 MF Vanessa DiBernardo  United States
11 DF Sarah Gorden  United States
12 GK Melissa Lowder  United States
13 MF Morgan Gautrat  United States
14 DF Zoe Morse  United States
15 FW Makenzy Doniak  United States
16 MF Sarah Woldmoe  United States
18 MF Ella Stevens  United States
21 GK Emily Boyd  United States
22 DF Bianca St. Georges  Canada
23 DF Tatumn Milazzo  United States
24 MF Danielle Colaprico  United States
26 DF Tierna Davidson  United States
28 DF Kayla Sharples  United States
32 FW Zoey Goralski  United States
33 FW Katie Johnson  Mexico
38 GK Cassie Miller  United States

Out on loan[]

No. Pos. Player Nation
19 MF Sarah Luebbert (at América)  United States

Coaching staff[]

As of February 10, 2020.[41]
Coaching staff
Head coach United States Rory Dames
Assistant coach England Scott Parkinson
Assistant coach United States Julianne Sitch
Goalkeeper coach Serbia Rade Tanaskovic

Coaching history[]

Top scorers (NWSL)[]

Rank Player Goals
1T Australia Samantha Kerr 35
1T United States Christen Press 35
3 United States Sofia Huerta 22
4 United States Alyssa Mautz 13
5 United States Jen Hoy 12

Bold denotes active players.

Notable former players[]

See also: List of Chicago Red Stars players

Former members of the team who have represented a senior national team are:

Honors[]

Season records[]

Year League Team MVP Golden Boot[c] Defender of the Year Reference
Winner Goals
2009 WPS Brazil Cristiane Cristiane 7
2010 WPS United States Ella Masar 8
2011 WPSL United States Amanda Cinalli 10
2012 WPSLE United States Lauren Fowlkes 7
2013 NWSL United States Lori Chalupny Lori Chalupny 5 Germany Sonja Fuss [43]
2014 NWSL Lori Chalupny United States Christen Press 6 United States Julie Johnston [44]
2015 NWSL Christen Press Christen Press 10 Julie Johnston [45]
2016 NWSL Christen Press Christen Press 8 Julie Johnston [46]
2017 NWSL Julie Ertz Christen Press 11 United States Casey Short
2018 NWSL Australia Sam Kerr Sam Kerr 16 United States Katie Naughton [47]

Footnotes[]

  1. ^ In 2010, only seven teams finished the season.
  2. ^ The Chicago Red Stars competed in the North Division of the Midwest Conference in the WPSL. Six teams were in this division for the 2011 season.
  3. ^ Team leader in regular-season goals.

References[]

  1. ^ Red Stars are Back! Joining WPSL for 2011, http://www.wpsl.info/news/index.php/?cat=1&id=1225 Archived October 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "Chicago Red Stars look to succeed where others failed". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  3. ^ "Relaunch of WUSA set for spring 2008". ESPN. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  4. ^ "Women's Pro Team Hires McDermott". ChicagoLand Soccer News. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  5. ^ "Chicago Red Stars :: Women's Professional Soccer :: Prospective Team Name History". August 20, 2008. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  6. ^ "Red Stars are born: New team honors flag". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  7. ^ "Peter Wilt Joins Milwaukee Wave As President, CEO". Our Sports Central. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  8. ^ McCarthy, Jack (April 10, 2010). "Red Stars retool for 2nd season". Chicago Tribune.
  9. ^ "Red Stars suspend season due to lack of investors". Daily Herald. December 13, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  10. ^ "Teams Confirmed for 2011 WPS Season". Our Sports Central. November 16, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  11. ^ Kassouf, Jeff. "Red Stars to play in WPSL in 2011 – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  12. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 18, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ Pel, Jenna. "Chicago Red Stars Mark Return, Join WPSL For 2011 | All White Kit". Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  16. ^ Babcock, Patricia (July 29, 2011). "Red Stars fighting the good fight – for free". The Daily Herald.
  17. ^ "WPSL Elite". WPSL Elite. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  18. ^ "U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati Announces New Women's League to Begin Play in Spring of 2013". US Soccer. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  19. ^ "Eight teams to start new women's pro soccer league in 2013 – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  20. ^ "RED STARS' SOFIA HUERTA VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF THE MONTH". NWSL. June 3, 2015. Archived from the original on June 7, 2015.
  21. ^ Santaromita, Dan (September 22, 2019). "Sam Kerr breaks NWSL scoring record in Chicago Red Stars playoff-clinching win over Washington Spirit". Pro Soccer USA. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  22. ^ "Chicago Red Stars Videos, Roster, Game Recaps, News & More". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  23. ^ "About Toyota Park". Toyota Park. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  24. ^ whisler, a. emerson. "Chicago Red Stars Tickets". www.redstarsgear.com. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  25. ^ The Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 18, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  26. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 7, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  28. ^ "Red Stars Announce 2012 WPSL Elite Schedule & Season Ticket Packages". Chicago Red Stars. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  29. ^ "Northwestern University Recreation". www.fitrec.northwestern.edu. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  30. ^ "Chicago Red Stars to Play 2016 Season at Toyota Park". chicagoredstars.com. December 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  31. ^ "Staff". Chicago Red Stars (WPS). Archived from the original on April 27, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  32. ^ http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2012/07/13/pitch-invasion-podcast-episode-6/ Archived January 30, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Pitch invasion podcast #6
  33. ^ "Front Office". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  34. ^ Goldner, Lindsay (March 1, 2021). "Chicago Red Stars Introduce Groundbreaking New Ownership Group". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  35. ^ Northam, Mitchell (April 17, 2019). "NWSL: NBC Sports Chicago to broadcast Red Stars". Pro Soccer USA. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  36. ^ "FOUR TEAMS SET FOR 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND". Women's Premier Soccer League. July 29, 2011. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  37. ^ "FALLING SHORT Waves topple Red Stars in OT". Chicagoland Soccer News. Sports Vue Interactive Media. July 31, 2013. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  38. ^ "ORANGE COUNTY WAVES 2, CHICAGO RED STARS 1". Women's Premier Soccer League. July 31, 2011. Archived from the original on October 25, 2011. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  39. ^ "WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH WIN INAUGURAL WPSL ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP". Women's Premier Soccer League. July 28, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  40. ^ "First Team - Chicago Red Stars". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  41. ^ Azar, Joe (February 10, 2020). "Chicago Announces Technical & Medical Staff". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  42. ^ "Chicago Red Stars Roster". ChicagoRedStars.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2010. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
  43. ^ Freud, Justyne (August 23, 2013). "Red Stars Announce End of Season Team Awards". Chicago Red Stars Site. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  44. ^ Freud, Justyne (September 2, 2014). "Chicago Red Stars Announce 2014 Team Awards". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
  45. ^ Rochelle, Julie (September 23, 2015). "Chicago Red Stars Announce Winners of 2015 Team Awards". Chicago Red Stars. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  46. ^ Freud, Justyne (October 5, 2016). "Chicago Red Stars Announce Winners of 2016 Team Awards". Chicago Red Stars. Archived from the original on October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  47. ^ Ziegler, Paige (October 2, 2018). "Chicago Announces 2018 Team Award Winners". Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved March 28, 2019.

External links[]

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