2023 Chicago Red Stars

I guess it's almost time for another NWSL season and if anyone has wondered, I haven't gone anywhere.

Renewed my tickets for the 15th season with the Red Stars. I am one of the few originals left I think.

However with all the changes that have happened with the Red Stars in the last couple years and still going on, I have no idea how they will be.

The midfield that has been around for years and was the staple carry over year after year is gone. New players have to fill the rolls of Colaprico, Dibernardo, and Gautrat,

Red Stars do in my opinion, have the best forward in NWSL in Mallory Swanson (will have to get some used to saying that), who seems may be staying in Chicago for a while as her husband plays shortstop for the Cubs now. A solid defense, if they can stay healthy. They were solid last season until one by one got hurt for the remainder of the season. I believe everyone including Casey Short and Tierna are back fully healed.

I am excited to see some of the "new kids" that the CRS have drafted especially Sophie Jones out of Duke. I saw her play a couple of times this past college season and was very impressed. Could take over from Colaprico in midfield. Hocking and Schlegel, the forward duo from Penn State seem to be Red Stars type of players.

My question is Goalkeeping. Not Alyssa Naeher, but her second string when she is off on NT duties.
I hate to say it, but Emily Boyd hasn't exactly IMO, played stellar when Naeher was absent. If we remember in 2021 Cassie Miller beat her out for that second spot, I wish Miller had stayed in Chicago. It would have been better for her and the Red Stars.
Mackenzie Wood is a solid GK. I have seen her play for Northwestern and then Notre Dame. I believe she also played for the Red Stars reserves a few years ago.

Curious to see how Brazilian Julia Bianchi will do in the defensive mid roll. CRS acquired former Notre Dame standout and NWSL veteran Cari Roccaro and of course Yuki is still there.

So there is still talent left on this team but a lot of needs have to be filled and new chemistry has to be made. And with that a new Captain has to be appointed as Dibernardo decided to leave her home town for KC.

Chris Petrucelli and Rade are back with the addition of Red Stars original Ella Masar on the Coaching staff.

Hopefully a good and fun season, but after 15 years of Season Ticket loyalty, I'm ready for a trophy.

 

I have not seen Saturday's game yet. Why wasn't Sophie Jones on the roster for Saturday's game? I have big hopes for her.

 

Very interesting.

Being owned by the Cubs or Bears??

https://www.sportico.com/leagues/so...-red-stars-sale-ricketts-pat-ryan-1234717261/

 

Doesn't look good weather-wise for Red Stars opener on Saturday. Cold, snow in the morning.
The next day nice.

Red Stars can't get a break.

 

I was at the Red Stars vs Mexico game this Saturday. beautiful afternoon, good crowd. Mood among CRS fans dampened as the news of Mal started spreading.
Heartbroken for her as she worked so hard to get back in the fold and be on top of her game.

Red Stars need to search the international wire for an experienced forward. Mal is a game changer and without her, goal scoring prospects look dim for the Red Stars. New draftees are not ready yet and those that have been around for a few years are not at the level of a Rodman, Smith, Swanson, or even an old Rapinoe.

I am happy with the acquisition of Rocarro, an experienced veteran who is calm, makes good passes and has good vision. Yuki moved to defensive mid, but not the toughness of Julie Ertz. Yuki belongs closer to the goal where she can do her magic.

Other than a few of players, the team looks slow, IMO. Arin Wright had to play center back Saturday as she is one of the few with speed to contain.

Mackenzie Wood first time in goal for the Red Stars had a solid showing despite the 5-2 score as she was left out to dry on several occasions. She made some nice saves and improved as the game went on. Some fans were commenting that she should move up to the 2nd spot behind Naeher.

For me, this is the first season in my 15 years as CRS STH that I don't see a possibility to make the playoffs. I just don't see it. Red Stars do have quality players including those that are on the USWNT but no one that can be a difference maker like Mallory Swanson does.

Hoping for better, but slowly realizing could be a long season for Red Stars fans.

I would love to read what other CRS fans think.

 

Still going to every Red Stars game, but it is no longer the excitement of an anticipation of winning. Many of us are there to support but mostly to socialize.

This will be the worst Red Stars season ever in it's 15 year history. Nothing to look forward to.

If we are going to sell the team then let's get it over with. Stop holding the fans in limbo. Our attendance is not great now but those that go are very loyal and deserve respect.

My only fear is that the team is sold and moved to like, Minneapolis or Atlanta or something. We don't want that. We still believe Chicago is a great place for a women's D1 pro team, however there needs to be serious ownership with some deep pockets to do marketing and maybe a change of venue, I don't know.
So many people including youth clubs still do not know that there is a top level women's pro soccer team in Chicago. After 15 years of existence. Crazy!

Chicago is is saturated with sports teams, pro, semi-pro, in every sport, you name it. Everyone is competing for that sports customer, unless you are the Cubs and have Wrigley Field, no competition there. Just open the gates and 40,000 will go to look at the ivy and drink beer.

This can be turned around and made into a serious and competitive women's pro sports team in every aspect. I still believe having a team in this big midwestern market is very important for women's pro soccer.

I'm hoping for a good ownership group to buy the Red Stars and keep them in Chicago.

 

I'm still around. Still STH of the Red Stars. As soon as I get a chance, I'll give my opinion of everything that has happened with the CRS over the past year, Arnim, new ownership, venues, Petrucelli, etc.