Chi-Lights: Comings and Goings

CHICAGO, IL–In addition to the transfer of Brian Gutierrez this week, both the Fire and Stars have made transactions over the course of this past week. It started on Wednesday when Stars goalkeeper and captain Alyssa Naeher re-signed with the Stars for an 11th season. Naeher is one of three players who has been in the NWSL since the first season in 2013.

“I’m excited to be returning for my 11th season with Chicago,” said Naeher. “I feel like I still have more to give and want to be out there competing with my teammates and continue to push this organization forward. We made a lot of positive strides to close out last season and I want to build on that.”

The Stars will be playing at Martin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston in 2026. However, two people who were part of the organization last season will not be. On Friday, assistant coach and former interim coach Ella Masar announced her departure from the club. Masar spent three seasons as an assistant coach and two spells as interim coach. Masar also played with the Stars in 2009 during the WPS years as well as in 2013 in the first year of the NWSL.

“I can honestly say that when I first came to Chicago, three years ago, I was disappointed with where we were as a club. But today, as I say goodbye, I leave with something much stronger than disappointment – I leave with pride,” said Masar. “I’m not proud of how this season ended, but I am deeply proud of what we’ve built, how far we’ve come, and the foundation we’re leaving behind. I truly believe in Martin and Anders – in their passion, their vision, and their belief in what this club can become.”

Also departing is assistant general manager Babett Peter. The former German international is pursuing other opportunities after three seasons with the Stars where she was part of the transition period and ultimately assistant to general manager Richard Feuz.

As for the Fire, on Wednesday, they signed forward Jason Shokalook to the main squad from Chicago Fire II in MLS NEXT Pro. Shokalook was the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot winner in 2025 with 20 goals. Shokalook is signed through 2026 with club options for 2027 and 2028.

Also on Saturday, the Fire transferred forward Georgios Koutsias to Swiss side FC Lugano which is also owned by Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto. Koutsias had joined Lugano on loan from January. Koutsias had five goals and three assists in two seasons with the Fire. With Lugano, he had six goals in 20 appearances in 2025.