The Chicago Red Stars announced Lorne Donaldson will take the reins ahead of the 2024 season. Lorne Donaldson’s signing is an excellent move by the new ownership group, but it’s past time to get moving. The Red Stars must give him the support he needs to build this squad into contenders.
Here’s what we think the next three signings should be:
A General Manager
Believe it or not, we’re just over a month out from the first preseason camps. If Lorne Donaldson is to find success this season, he needs someone who can help him build a squad. The NWSL draft is only a few weeks away, and a General Manager is absolutely mandatory to maximize the number of signings they can execute on Draft Day.
Mallory Swanson
The Red Stars have several big names on their Free Agency list, including USWNT players Mal Swanson, Casey Krueger, and Tierna Davidson. With reports of Davidson in advanced talks at Gotham FC, it’d be wise to name a signing of their own. The first ought to be a landmark offer for Mal Swanson. Prior to her season-ending knee injury, she was the face of the organization, and an inevitable goal-scoring threat. Despite the injury, she still managed to lead the USWNT in goals scored in 2023. The Red Stars missed having her scoring prowess, and ought to make a deal that reflects just how much she is valued by the club.
A General in the Midfield
With ever-changing lineups, and player health, it’s no secret the Red Stars struggled to move the ball last season. The Red Stars need to sign a veteran in the midfield who can lead with poise, win the ball back, and make that final pass to Mal Swanson.
(Crystal Dunn is still a free agent. Just saying.)
Honorable Mentions
Casey Krueger
The Chicagoland native was a bright spot for the Red Stars last season. In past postgame press conferences, Alyssa Naeher praised her as the best one-on-one defender there is. Krueger may have been snubbed by the World Cup roster, but the Red Stars benefitted from her veteran presence and decision-making on the Chicago back line. She ought to be a lock for the Red Stars in free agency.
Expand the Coaching and Technical Staff
This is where the Red Stars need to see the dividends of Laura Ricketts’ historic investment. Lorne Donaldson ought to be equipped with the growing coaching and technical staff that is becoming standard in the NWSL. When speaking with Chicago players after the sale, many named an expanded coaching staff as a top priority.
(Photo: Daniel Bartel)