NWSL: Chicago Red Stars – 2017 Season Preview
By Eric Harris
After an up and down 2016, how far can the Chicago Red Stars go with no major international breaks in 2017?
On paper, the Chicago Red Stars look like one of the best teams in the league. Alyssa Naeher is back in goal. Julie Ertz (formerly Johnston) is the anchor in the middle of the defense. Danielle Colaprico and Vanessa DiBernardo are two of the more underrated midfielders in the league. Last, but not least, they have two of the best strikers the league has to offer in Christen Press and Sofia Huerta.
Last season, the Red Stars came up just short of their goals and return nearly all of that team. How far can that spine of talent take them in 2017?
2016 Recap
Record: 9-5-6 (33 points)
Finishing Position: 3rd
Postseason: Lost in Semifinals to Washington Spirit
After nine matches, the Red Stars were at the top of the table. Then came the Olympics and with it several of their players joining the USWNT. Chicago lost three straight without their stars and couldn’t catch up to Portland and Washington.
Despite the absences, there are plenty of talented players who got plenty of time with the opportunities it presented. Arin Gilliland and Casey Short, who has worked her way into the USWNT, each played all 20 games. The previously mentioned midfielders Colaprico and DiBernardo were also heavily relied upon to get them into the playoffs.
In their matchup in the post season Press got them into extra time with a late equalizer, but a goal in the 111th minute sunk the Red Stars in the semis for the second straight year.
https://twitter.com/chicagoredstars/status/851491604561113095
Players Out:
- Amanda DaCosta (Traded to Boston)
- Courtney Raetzman (Waived)
- Cara Walls (Waived)
Players In:
- Summer Green (Trade from Seattle)
- Lauren Kaskie (NWSL Draft)
- Morgan Proffitt (NWSL Draft)
Predicted Starting XI For Opening Weekend
A 4-3-3 that can look more of a 4-4-2 diamond with a false 9 dropping back for Press and Huerta to make runs into the channels. Stephanie McCaffrey and Summer Green are two other attacking players who could get plenty of opportunities this season. Last year Samantha Johnson had a lot of time in central defense. She should also get her fair share of chances as the year goes on.
2017 Predictions
This season the major tournament that could affect teams is the Euros. Chicago doesn’t have any European players so they won’t be affected. They could take advantage when teams like Portland have players missing extended time on international duty.
Depth in the midfield is a concern, especially if one of the starters goes down, but this team has far too much talent to not make any noise. Last season they were just one off the lead for least goals allowed. With Ertz in for a whole season they should have the toughest defense to breakdown. And as the adage goes, defense wins championships.
Prediction: 1st Place