Chicago Red Stars make bold move with promising goalkeeper signing

The Chicago Red Stars announced the signing of goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz for the 2025 NWSL season. "My family is from the Chicago area, and I grew up cheering for Chicago sports teams, so I feel very blessed to now be part of one," said Mackiewicz. The statement, more than inspiring, shows the way this young goalkeeper arrives, motivated, to embrace the city and club that will open their arms to her in this new phase of her career.

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With a promising track record and impressive achievements at Clemson University, along with recent time in Swedish soccer, the addition of Mackiewicz proves strategic. She brings in yet another option for the Red Stars in the position that demands the greatest security and confidence-the goal.

Refined talent and promise for the future

Halle Mackiewicz might not be that known a name in the NWSL for now, but her stats do the talking. A goalkeeper from Clemson University has achieved great heights during her time with the college. She played 48 matches with an average of just 0.923 goals allowed per game, a figure that underlines how well she can keep the team defensively tight.

The year 2023 was particularly remarkable. Mackiewicz recorded 13 clean sheets, breaking a 24-year-old record previously held at Clemson. This performance earned her a notable list of honors, such as ACC Goalkeeper of the Year, All-American Selection, First Team All-ACC, and Top Drawer Soccer Best XI.

Her talent did not go unnoticed, and she was selected in the NWSL Draft, going 32nd overall to the Kansas City Current. While she did not stay with the club, the time in professional soccer was a good lesson for the young goalkeeper; now, she takes a new chance in Chicago.

Before transitioning into collegiate and professional soccer, Mackiewicz also enjoyed a stellar youth career with Real Colorado, a club with direct ties to current Red Stars coach Lorne Donaldson.

International experience in Sweden

After her collegiate career was over, Mackiewicz sought new challenges in European soccer. The goalkeeper played for Trelleborgs FF in Sweden, where she faced a different playing style and could try herself in another competitive setting. She started 10 matches-a short but important period for an up-and-coming athlete.

That international experience gave Mackiewicz the maturity and growth that very few young goalkeepers have upon their entry into the NWSL. The transition into professional soccer is not easy, yet she took on the challenge of going overseas and coming back even more prepared.

What Mackiewicz can offer the Red Stars

The signing of Mackiewicz is for the future. These feelings were echoed by general manager Richard Feuz as he spoke about the newest addition: "She's a promising talent that we believe can add depth to the goalkeeper position while developing her skills to succeed at the professional level.

The goalkeeper position is delicate and takes time to mature. Mackiewicz arrives at the Red Stars with an ideal profile: young, consistent, and with a trajectory marked by steady growth. She will have the opportunity to learn from more experienced athletes on the roster while being prepared to compete and evolve.

The fact that Halle Mackiewicz has family roots in Chicago is no insignificant detail. Often, having a personal connection with the club and its fans brings that extra drive that turns potential into reality. Mackiewicz, with pride and enthusiasm, shared what this opportunity means to her:“I’m looking forward to stepping onto the field and joining this great team and fanbase.”