Categories: Chicago Stars FCNWSLWomen's Football

Stars make personnel moves during break

Photo: Leslie Smith

CHICAGO, IL–Chicago Stars FC made several moves both with the roster and in the technical area. Interim coach Masaki Hemmi announced he was leaving the club effective Thursday. Hemmi went 0-4-3 during his time as interim manager after replacing Lorne Donaldson on April 30th.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my time with the Chicago Stars and the opportunity to work alongside such talented players and staff,” said Hemmi. “While it’s bittersweet to be leaving, the club has a bright future ahead. I’ll forever be thankful for the time I had with Chicago Stars FC.”

Ella Masar will be the interim coach going forward while the Stars look for a permanent replacement. Masar was caretaker coach for the last two matches of the 2023 season after the club sacked Chris Petrucelli.

The Stars said that they have been undergoing an ‘extensive’ search for a permanent head coach.

“We are well underway in our thorough head coaching search,” said Chicago Stars FC president, Karen Leetzow. “We have narrowed down the candidate pool and expect to appoint a new head coach soon. While we have a lot of building ahead, we look forward to turning the page to the second half of our season and starting a new chapter for the team.”

As far as players go, the Stars extended the contract of Jameese Joseph through the 2028 season with a mutual option for 2029. Joseph was drafted 15th overall in the now-defunct NWSL draft and has made a total of 37 appearances for the Stars. This season, she has a goal and two assists and earned caps with the USA under-23 team.

However, Joseph suffered a lower leg injury while with the USA U-23s and she and Alyssa Naeher have been places on the 45-injury list retroactive to May 24th. Naeher was injured in the Stars’ match against Kansas City Current on May 24th.

The contract of Nadia Gomes has been extended until July 31st and goalkeeper Stephanie Sparkowski’s roster relief contract to July 29. Finally, the Stars decided not to renew the contract of forward, Catherine Barry, and to an agreement with defender Justina Gaynor to mutually terminate her contract.

The Stars will take part in the Teal Rising Cup with KC Current and Brazilian sides Corinthians and Palmeiras. The Stars will take on Corinthians on Saturday, July 12th at 4:30pm and the winner will face the winner of the Current-Palmeiras match on July 15th. The regular season will resume on August 1st as the Stars take on Gotham FC at SeatGeek Stadium (7pm, Prime).