While we won’t get into the details here, if you’re looking to get into the NWSL in a big way – the Red Stars are for sale. Owner Arnim Whistler has announced he will be selling the club as pressure built over the past year as a result of investigative reporting and investigations into abuse allegations around the NWSL.
Chicago was home to a number of free agents, only two of whom have re-signed with the club. Yuki Nagasato and Arin Wright remain Red Stars, while Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, Morgan Gautrat, and Rachel Hill have signed with other NWSL clubs since announcing they would collectively not be returning to Chicago.
No news yet regarding the status of free agent Kealia Watt, who tore her ACL at the end of the Red Star’s 2021 playoff run and gave birth in October.
Sarah Woldmoe announced that she is retiring from soccer, leaving the Red Stars with just two midfielders on their active roster.
Sarah Luebbert transferred to Club América Femenil of Liga MX.
Zoe Morse has left the club, the defender’s contract concluded in 2022. She is now with Brighton and Hove Albion of the FA WSL.
New Signings
Addie McCain joins the Red Stars from Kansas City, helping to bolster the depleted midfield section of the Chicago roster.
Jenna Bike, a national team replacement player for NJNY Gotham FC in 2022, was signed to a two-year contract with an option for a third.
Brazilian Midfielder Julia Bianchi signed a two-year deal with Chicago in late January.
As the time to kick off for the 2023 season quickly approached, the Red Stars announced the signing of Forward Cheyna Matthews, most recently of Racing Louisville, to a one year contract and Defender Sami Feller to a three year contract, both with a one year option.
With the above announcement it was also shared that Forward Brenna Lovera and Goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood had been signed as replacement players for injuries on Chicago’s roster.
Draft Day
The Chicago Red Stars made four picks during the 2023 NWSL Draft, with one mid-draft trade. The team sent the 19th overall pick to OL Reign in exchange for the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, a third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and a 2023 International Roster Spot.
With picks 7, 14, 23, and 43, the Red Stars selected Forward Penelope Hocking, Attacking Midfielder Grace Yochum, Striker Allison Schlegel, and Defensive Midfielder Sophie Jones.
While Yochum did not report for pre-season, Hocking, Schlegel, and Jones remain on the team’s pre-season roster.
Trades
At the end of January, the Chicago Red Stars sent $65,000 in allocation money to Angel City FC in exchange for Midfielder Cari Roccaro.
Draftee Updates
In the week leading up to the start of the 2023 NWSL season, the Chicago Red Stars signed all three draft picks who had reported for pre-season to multi-year deals.
Be sure to check back for more updates throughout the off-season!