The Chicago Red Stars are going through an identity crisis. It has left them with a record that places them tenth out of the twelve teams, the worst goal differential in the league at negative fourteen, and remnants of a once successful team.
The Red Stars have endured multiple hardships, from the firing of an abusive coach to a change in ownership to a string of injuries and player absences. Even though the front office changes were necessary—and past due–the team now lacks a strong identity and struggles not only to find wins but to compete with other teams.
Past Success
The Red Stars are one of the oldest teams in the NWSL, with roots that go back before the league’s inception. The Red Stars began competing in the WPS in 2009 and then the WPSL in 2011. This was when Rory Dames started coaching the team.
Additionally, Chicago is one of the most successful teams in the league. Although they have never found a championship title, they hold the longest playoff streak in the league–since 2015. Before the pandemic, they consistently finished above fourth place in the standings.
The 2021 Season
In 2021, Chicago finished fourth in the NWSL, meaning they qualified for the playoffs. They beat Gotham FC 1-0 in the first round. In the…
