Categories: Chicago FireChicago Stars FCMLSNWSL

Chi-Lights: Fire, Stars make roster moves

Photo: Len Cederholm

Both the Fire and Stars have made roster moves over the past few days. In the case of the Stars, one player who is not coming back for 2026 is Ally Schlegel. Schlegel played three seasons for the Stars and scored 12 goals across that time including seven in 2024 which tied for the club lead that year with Mallory Swanson. However, after a disappointing three goals in 2025, the club declined her option.

Pending further conversations, Camryn Biegalski, Ava Cook, Nádia Gomes, Shea Groom, Alyssa Naeher and Cari Roccaro will be free agents for 2026 following the conclusions of their current contracts December 31st.The Stars did come to terms with Julia Grosso (thru 2028) and Sam Staab (thru 2029).

After far as additions go, the club signed midfielder Brianna Pinto from North Carolina Courage. Pinto joined the league in 2021 after being drafted by Gotham FC third overall from the University of North Carolina. In her rookie year, Pinto made 10 appearances for a total of 195 minutes for Gotham. Pinto returned home to North Carolina the following offseason after a trade from Gotham FC sent the midfielder to the North Carolina Courage. Over four seasons with the Courage, Pinto made 89 appearances, 45 starts, scored 11 goals, recorded four assists.

The Stars also signed forward and Naperville native, Ryan Gareis, from Houston Dash where she spent the last four seasons.

As for the Fire, the following players will not be returning in 2026: Tom Barlow Rominigue Kouame, Bryan Dowd, and Chase Gaspar. Barlow and Dowd had their contract options declined and are eligible for the re-entry draft. Barlow had a highlight in 2025 scoring four goals in a 7-1 thrashing of DC United on June 6th. Kouame’s loan from Spanish club Cadiz had expired and the Fire have decided not to make the move permanent. Gaspar is out of contract and will pursue opportunities outside of soccer according to the club statement. The club did pick up the options for captain Jack Elliott and Sam Williams. Defender Omar Gonzalez will move to Chicago Fire II as an assistant coach.

On Tuesday, the Fire announced the signing of South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates. Mbokazi will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through 2029, with a Club option for the 2029-30 season. Mbokazi has made 35 appearances for the Pirates and already had three caps for the South African National Team.

“We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the Club as we further strengthen our back line,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “In his young career, he has already shown high potential and proven himself to be a strong leader and competitor on the international level. We expect immediate impact and room to grow in future.”