Last season was the best-ever for the Chicago Red Stars. They finished 8-3-9 and in second place in the National Women’s Soccer League and made the playoffs in a top flight league for the first time. However, a further look would show that they won just twice in the second half of the season (2-2-6) and were summarily dismissed in the semifinal by eventual champion FC Kansas City.
After the Red Stars’ US World Cup quarter returned triumphant from Canada last year, it felt like another preseason as they team got used to each other once again. For head coach Rory Dames, one of the hopes is that he’ll have Christen Press, Julie Johnston, and new goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for much longer as the league takes a break for the Olympics this season.
When Press was on the pitch for the Red Stars, she scored at will scoring 10 goals in just 11 matches. Julie Johnston was a rock in the back four. Alyssa Naeher is the new #1 for the Red Stars coming via trade in the offseason after Karina LeBlanc retired.
Chicago Red Stars midfielder Danielle Colaprico looks to breakaway from F.C. K.C. forward Lauren Holiday (Photo credit: Don MacGregor)
Outside of the national teamers, players to be relied upon include Sofia Huerta who scored the goals (six last year) while Press was away. Danielle Colaprico was Rookie of the Year last season and started all 20 matches and the semifinal as the team’s holding midfielder. Arin Gilliland had a sensational rookie season as well by making the NWSL Second XI. Vanessa DiBernardo led the team in assists with five last season and was also a Second XI pick.
This year’s rookie class includes Notre Dame standout Katie Naughton, DePaul’s Sarah Gorden, and Kentucky’s Courtney Raetzman. The Red Stars have had the last two rookies of the year.
Chicago Red Stars’ Christen Press on the attack against F.C. K.C. (photo credit: Don MacGregor)
Of course, the Red Stars return to Toyota Park for its home matches this season as it was in their WPS days. The Red Stars went 1-1-1 at Toyota Park last season as the home opener, home finale, and playoff game were played in Bridgeview. On the road last season, the Red Stars were 5-2-3 which was tops in the league. The Red Stars will need to replicate their road form at the start with four of the first six matches on the road this season.
This season will be about building upon a record year for the Red Stars. The difference this year is that they hope to avoid a second-half slump like last year and go at least one match further in the playoffs this season. There is a core of players there with Press, Johnston, DiBernardo, Huerta, Colaprico, and now Alyssa Naeher.
It all starts on Saturday away to the Houston Dash at 7:30pm on YouTube. The home opener is the following Saturday (April 22nd) at 6pm at Toyota Park against Western New York Flash.
