CHICAGO, IL–For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Red Stars move some popular players in order to gain protection from the expansion draft. Last year, Savannah McCaskill and Yuki Nagasako went to Racing Louisville. This year with two teams from California entering the league, the Red Stars went to supply both with players.
Going to San Diego Wave are forward Katie Johnson and midfielder Makenzy Doniak as well as first round draft choice Kelsey Turnbow in exchange for allocation money and protection in the expansion draft.
Johnson famously scored the match winner in the NWSL Semifinal against Portland to send the Red Stars to their second successive NWSL Championship match.
“I would like to thank the Chicago Red Stars organization, my incredible teammates, Local 134 and the fans for a memorable three years. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to experience three finals,” said Johnson. “The city itself will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thrilled to be joining San Diego Wave! I will be home and closer to family and friends. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to play professional games in front of family.”
Meanwhile, defenders Sarah Gorden and Julie Ertz will be heading to Angel City FC along with an international spot. Gorden had requested the move for personal reasons.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity the Chicago Red Stars have given me. When I was drafted by the club in 2016, they took a chance on a local Chicago kid and from there have helped me grow to the player I am today. To my teammates, I appreciate you all endlessly and thank you for being there through the ups and downs. Local 134 and the rest of the Chicago Red Stars fans, you mean the world to me and you’ll continue to be my day ones.Chicago forever and always.”
Ertz played eight seasons Red Stars, though her 2021 season lasted all of 29 minutes with the Red Stars and only more with the US Women’s Olympic Team this season. She made 79 appearances for the Red Stars and won two Women’s World Cups with the USA during her tenure.
Another player request was granted to Nikki Stanton who goes to OL Reign in exchange for a third round pick. Stanton is from the Washington state area.
“Chicago! The city that stole my heart. Thank you for an incredible three seasons. I have grown as a person and player here. I have made friends for life. Thank you to my teammates for being the best out there. Love you all. To the fans- oh man. Going to miss you! You guys always showed up big. Appreciate you. Thank you, Chicago. See you soon.”
The Red Stars released a statement regarding Thursday’s roster moves:
“While it is always difficult to say goodbye to players who have given their all to the club, we wanted to accommodate personal requests for relocations, while also removing the stress of the upcoming expansion draft for the remainder of our roster. After such a long season we wanted to provide additional time for players to rest emotionally without the worry of being unprotected. This also allows us to shift focus to building out the roster to make another championship run. The club wishes these players well with their new teams and will continue to cheer for them from afar.”
THOUGHTS: The 2022 Red Stars will look considerably different than the 2021 Red Stars. It may not be immediately for the better after everything that has happened since the final whistle at Lynn Family Stadium in the NWSL Championship from the sudden resignation of Rory Dames amid emotional abuse allegations to the departure of several key names. We shall see who they bring in for 2022, but there are still some dark clouds hanging over the Red Stars right now.
