2024 Chicago Red Stars

2024 for the Chicago Red Stars is a season of new beginnings. New ownership, new coaching staff, and many new players.

The new owners headed by Laura Ricketts appear to have deeper pockets than Arnim and his group. To me that spells better marketing and better player care and experience. It is disparaging that there are still youth groups in this big city area that still have no idea that the Red Stars exist. After 15 years! That needs to change.

The idea of moving away from SeatGeek is not viable as of right now, IMO. There is nowhere else to go in Chicago area that has grass other than Soldier Field which would be overly expensive, and too large for the attendance. Heck, even the Fire IMO, appear to be playing in a cavern at Soldier Field. And in my opinion, SeatGeek is NOT hard to get to as some people are constantly inferring. I go to every game and I live on the NW side way up by O'hare. There could be some discussions to include the Red Stars with any new stadium that is being discussed by the Bears and/or White Sox. We'll see, but as of right now I am happy to make the drive to south side of Chicago, to Bridgeview.

The Red Stars have a new coaching staff led by former Jamaican Head Coach Lorne Donaldson. I have heard he is a "culture builder". As of today, after two games the Red Stars are 2-0.
The culture has started to build, hopefully.

Not even gonna talk much about Naeher, because we know...best GK in the world.

Many of last year's players have left the team, whether through cuts but mostly to go elsewhere during free agency. Some just wanted fresh starts after being in Chicago for a few years. Some to get closer to family roots. Many new faces this season, of which notably is Sam Staab. We can already see her impact on the defensive line. After losing several key defenders through free agency, the Red Stars needed an experienced, calm and solid defender in front of Alyssa Naeher. They got that in Staab. Bring in Kuikka, Maxi Rall from Germany, Taylor Malham who has gained the confidence of the coaches and you have a very good, solid defense. The defense seems to be much more organized and calm than the previous few years. Curious to see rookie Hannah Anderson out of Texas Tech as well.

Midfield needs some proving IMO, but with the return of Roccaro, the addition of first round draft pick Nesbeth out of Florida State, Julia Bianchi who appears to be in fantastic game shape coming in this season and a set of others like Sarah Griffith and Jenna Bike that are very capable of coming in and contributing should be a formidable group no matter who they are facing in the league.

As far as forwards, what can we say, Mallory Swanson is back! I couldn't wait to see her in the same line as Penelope Hocking. Those two will create many chances and do some damage to opposing D's. Ally Schlegel has started strong along with the two Cooks Ava and Ally, who was a trial invitee out of UCLA. We still have to see Shea Groom in uniform. Curious to see rookie Jameese Joseph out of NC State, as well.

I feel good about everyone on this year's roster. If Donaldson can build a winning culture the Red Stars can be back on top very quickly.

The Red Stars are over 15 years old! The oldest women's professional team in the US. It is a well known brand and I want it to exist for many years to come in my home city of Chicago.

Go Red Stars!

 

Yes, and that is too bad as one of the new Assistant Coaches for the Red Stars is Japanese, Masaki Hemmi. We loved Yuki in Chicago, and wish her good luck.

 

Exciting news!

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2024/04/09/the-chicago-red-stars-are-coming-to-wrigley-field/

https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ne...eld-in-june-in-partnership-with-chicago-cubs/

I love this idea. and for anyone to say Well, this has been tried before, playing in baseball stadiums. Well, this is not your ordinary baseball stadium. This is Wrigley Field! One of if not THE most iconic baseball stadium in the country. Great area, bars and restaurants all around, beautiful scenery!

The old jokes is Wrigley Field is the biggest beer garden in the country or you can put a dog show at Wrigley Field and 40 thousand will go there to drink beer, bask in the sun and stare at the ivy. It just speaks of the draw that this stadium is for entertainment. People plan vacations from all over the country just to go to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

We will see how this works out for the Red Stars, but I'm hoping to have a great evening at the Friendly Confines!