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Stars sack Donaldson after poor start

Lorne Donaldson, seen here in April 2024, was sacked by the Stars after 32 league matches in charge. (Photo: Leslie Smith)

CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Stars parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson after a 1-5-0 start to 2025 that has left the club bottom of the NWSL. Without Mallory Swanson, the Stars have struggled badly out of the gate and are currently bottom in goals scored with just three and goals conceded at 14.

“We are grateful to Lorne Donaldson for the culture, respect and sense of self-belief he helped build within our squad. We appreciate his work and wish him the best for the future,” said Chicago Stars general manager, Richard Feuz. Feuz is expected to address the media on the path forward on Thursday.

While the Stars did make the playoffs in Donaldson’s first year, it was a quick exit at the hands of eventual champion Orlando Pride and more damning was the club’s 4-13-0 record at home in all competitions during Donaldson’s tenure.

Masaki Hemmi will serve as interim head coach, working closely with assistant coaches Ella Masar, Karina Báez and Brenton Saylor, while the club searches for a new permanent head coach and as the club focuses on collective leadership and stability during this transitional period. Hemmi joined the club from United Soccer League club, New Mexico United, where he served as director of player personnel and first assistant coach.

The Stars’ next match is Sunday at Gotham FC at noon CT (CBS).

THOUGHTS: There is still time to turn things around as there is three-quarters the season remaining. However, as the Stars are going to announce their third head coach in four seasons, it is important that top experience at the club level. Richard Feuz was appointed general manager after Lorne Donaldson was hired as coach, so we will know more of what Mr. Feuz is looking for in a coach. It is also hoped that he can shed some light on the situation regarding Mallory Swanson who has yet to feature for the Stars this season.

The team is at rock bottom right now and is bad need of a refresh on the pitch in terms of ideas and a constructive style of play.As stated in a previous post, the Ricketts Group need to show more concrete examples of investment towards the club to move them forward. The rebranding to just the “Stars” did not meet a lot of positive reaction.