CHICAGO, IL–After one season at Racing Louisville, forward Yuki Nagasato is returning to the Chicago Red Stars for a third round pick in 2023 and international slots in 2022 and 2023. Nagasato, 34, started with the Red Stars in 2017 and scored 13 goals in 58 appearances over three season–leading the NWSL in assists in 2019 with eight. She and Sam Kerr would form a tremendous partnership in 2019 that saw the Red Stars reach the NWSL Championship for the first time.
I’m extremely happy to be back playing in the Windy City,” said Nagasato. “I have such an appreciation for the incredible amount of enthusiasm Chicago’s fans bring to the field. It’s a joy to be a part of something that special. I’m looking forward to building a stronger connection with Chicago and can’t wait to be working with old friends again!”
Last year with Racing Louisville, Nagasato made 21 appearances with 18 starts and scored two goals, including one against the Red Stars.
We’re thrilled to welcome Yuki back to Chicago,” said Rade Tanaskovic, Acting Head Coach of the Red Stars. “We believe her veteran experience will help our incoming young players and push our team towards our ultimate goal of bringing a championship to the city of Chicago.”
Internationally, Nagasato represented Japan in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, achieved 132 caps, scored 58 international goals and was part of the Japanese team that won the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Nagasato also is the first woman to sign with the men’s team Hayabusa Eleven in her native Japan.
Prior to joining the National Women’s Soccer League, Nagasato played with NTV Beleza in her home country of Japan, Chelsea FC in England and FFC Turbine Potsdam, VfL Wolfsburg and FFC Frankfurt in Germany and had a loan spell at Brisbane Roar of Australia’s W-League.
