A look at what’s ahead for the Chicago Red Stars in the 2023 campaign
The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
Chicago Red Stars
2022 Season: 6th | 9-7-6 – 33 points
Big Additions:
- Julia Bianchi – former Palmeiras midfielder and Brazil international
- Cari Roccaro – two-time NWSL champion, acquired via trade with Angel City FC
- Penelope Hocking – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 7 overall pick
Key Games:
- March 25: San Diego Wave FC (A) – Regular Season Opener
- April 1: Houston Dash (H) – Regular Season Home Opener
- May 3: Houston Dash (A) – Challenge Cup Opener
What to Expect:
The Red Stars will attempt to build on a season in which they reached the postseason once more and also finished in second place in the Central Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Head coach Chris Petrucelli is in his second season with the team. Now, with returning key players like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, forwards Yuki Nagasato and Mallory Swanson, and defensemen Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, the team will need to come together quickly with a lot of moving parts to compete for a playoff spot.
In addition to the veterans listed above, there are additional returning to Chicago. The club will undoubtedly be excited by the return of defenders Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger, both of whom missed last year with Davidson making a comeback following an ACL injury and Krueger returning after becoming pregnant. Forward Ella Stevens and defender Bianca St-Georges, among others, are back and ready to play. Cari Roccaro, Addie McCain, and Julia Bianchi, all of whom were acquired in the offseason, will take the place of Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Morgan Gautrat, who all chose to sign with other teams in the offseason. As a result, Chicago’s midfield will look completely different. After establishing herself as one of the most versatile midfielders in Brazil’s top flight, Bianchi will undoubtedly be one to watch.
But Chicago should never be overlooked, especially with players like Nagasato, Stevens, and Swanson back there, as well as draftees like Hocking and Ally Schlegel, who both come from the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Red Stars will give it everything they have in a World Cup year that will make the regular season even more interesting, but the path to a record-setting eighth consecutive postseason appearance may not be easy.
