The Chicago Stars entered the 2025 National Women's Soccer League campaign with hopes of building on a promising 2024 run, but the season quickly turned into a test of endurance. A string of poor results has left the club rooted to the bottom of the standings, and the narrative off the pitch has been just as unsettling.
Coaching carousel
At the heart of the turmoil, Martin Sjögren and his assistant Anders Jacobson were relieved of their duties, paving the way for interim coach Karina Báez to take the reins. Báez, who had previously worked within the organization, was tasked with stabilizing a squad that had already seen a rapid turnover of leadership.
The club's winless streak, which began on July 5, 2025, underscores the challenges faced by the interim staff. Each match has added pressure on a group that is still searching for identity after the abrupt departure of its former head coach.
Roster and leadership changes
The front office also underwent a shake‑up when former general manager Richard Feuz was dismissed in late May 2025. His exit cleared the path for Lorne Donaldson, a figure who had previously guided the Stars to the postseason in 2024, to return as the club’s technical and analytical director. Donaldson’s re‑engagement was framed as an effort to bring continuity and strategic depth to a roster that had been fragmented by recent upheavals.
Donaldson’s return was accompanied by a rebranding effort that saw the team adopt the name "Red Stars" at the start of the season. The change was symbolic, intended to signal a fresh start, but it has done little to mask the underlying instability that has defined the organization.
Injury blow to a key attacker
Adding to the challenges, star forward Olivia Moultrie suffered an ACL tear during the campaign, a setback that not only removes a potent offensive threat but also raises questions about the team’s depth and tactical flexibility. The injury occurred at a critical juncture, forcing the coaching staff to re‑evaluate attacking options while integrating interim solutions.
The combination of multiple coaches in a short span, a revolving door of leadership, and key player injuries has created an environment where consistency is hard to achieve. The Stars now face the remainder of the season with a roster that must adapt quickly to both tactical shifts and the psychological impact of continual change.
For fans and stakeholders, the season serves as a reminder that success on the field is intertwined with stability off it. Whether the organization can translate its structural reforms into on‑field results remains to be seen, but the coming weeks will likely determine if the recent changes can finally provide the foundation for a turnaround.