77-653: The Washington Spirit are an American professional women's soccer team based in the Washington metropolitan area that competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). It is a continuation of the D.C. United Women of the W-League and continues to field both an amateur Women's Premier Soccer League team and a youth team, both under the Spirit name. The foundation of the National Women's Soccer League
154-556: A coach. Yates's investigation also found that Whisler neglected to run a background check on Dames before hiring him. On October 4, 2022, the day after Yates's report was released, Whisler resigned from the NWSL Board of Directors, giving up operational control of the Red Stars. On December 2, 2022, Whisler announced his intention to sell the team. On January 9, 2023, Whisler and the Red Stars were fined $ 1.5 million, and Dames
231-700: A curved marquee shape as a homage to the many theaters in Chicago, as well as the classic marquee of the Cubs' Wrigley Field stadium." During the team's membership in Women's Professional Soccer , the Chicago Red Stars played at Toyota Park. Now known as SeatGeek Stadium , it is a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium which was the home of the Chicago Fire FC from 2006 to 2019. From 2011 to 2015, in
308-432: A group of Chicago business leaders led by Laura Ricketts had agreed in principle to purchase the Chicago Red Stars. On September 1, 2023, it was announced that the club had been acquired for $ 60 million by the group led by Ricketts. On October 23, 2024 the team announced a name change to "Chicago Stars Football Club", dropping "Red" and adding "Football Club", to take effect during the 2024–25 offseason. In 2006, it
385-439: A new club record for home attendance with 7,976 fans. The season ended with the Spirit finishing in 8th place, just ahead of Sky Blue FC . During the offseason, the Spirit appointed Richie Burke as the new head coach while retaining Torres on the technical staff. The announcement also noted local tech executive Steve Baldwin had become the Spirit's new majority owner. The 2019 Washington Spirit season marked several changes for
462-787: A rebrand in progress. The Maryland SoccerPlex , located in Germantown, Maryland , was home to the Washington Spirit beginning with the inaugural 2013 season. The facility was also home to the Washington Spirit Reserves in the WPSL . Starting during the 2018 season, the Spirit began coordinating with D.C. United to play home matches at Audi Field in Buzzard Point in Washington D.C. The Spirit played their first match on August 25 that season, hosting
539-467: A strong desire to have a supporter group in the D.C. area with a more targeted approach to including and amplifying the voices of POC. In February 2021, The Washington Post reported that Chelsea Clinton , Jenna Bush Hager , Dominique Dawes and Brianna Scurry were part of an investment group investing in the team. In 2016, the Spirit's NWSL Playoff game against the Chicago Red Stars
616-432: A youth player Dames coached at Chicago Eclipse Select . The allegations went further, including multiple players claiming to have had a sexual relationship with Dames when they played for him at Eclipse. An accuser claimed that sex "felt almost expected". The verbal abuse also included constant name-calling. Dames' role in the founding of Elite Clubs National League , an elite group of youth soccer clubs of which he sat on
693-533: The 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft . The Red Stars also traded 2021 Iron women Sarah Gorden and the rights to USWNT player Julie Ertz to Angel City FC for expansion draft protection. The Red Stars also traded Nikki Stanton to OL Reign and backup goalkeeper Cassie Miller to Kansas City Current . The Red Stars drafted five players in the 2022 NWSL Draft and rostered three of the five: Ava Cook , Sammi Fisher and Sarah Griffith . The Red Stars welcomed back Yuki Nagasato from Louisville. Additionally, Kealia Watt
770-509: The 2022 season . Assistant coach Angela Salem managed the team's match in Houston on August 27 before the club hired Albertin Montoya as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The Spirit posted a 2–3–0 record in its final five matches under Montoya. On November 21, 2022, the Spirit announced Mark Parsons as the club's next head coach. Parsons previously served in the role for
847-654: The Chicago metropolitan area that competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). A founding member of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league, they have played in the NWSL since 2013. The Red Stars play their home games at SeatGeek Stadium . The Red Stars played in WPS in 2009 and 2010. After leaving WPS in December 2010 due to the club's financial issues, the club joined the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) for
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#1732780354267924-592: The Maryland SoccerPlex , Audi Field and Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia for four games each. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Spirit played two home matches at Segra Field in 2020. Beginning in 2021, the Spirit split all home matches between Audi Field and Segra Field. although the club still planned to hold at least one preseason game a year at the SoccerPlex after 2020. On December 6, 2022,
1001-605: The North Carolina Courage in Cary with a goal in the 89th minute. For the team's tenth season and sixth in the NWSL, the team qualified for the fourth consecutive year for the playoffs and lost 2–0 in the semifinal to the North Carolina Courage. The Red Stars made the finals for the first time in NWSL history, clinching their fifth consecutive playoff spot on September 21, 2019, after defeating
1078-482: The Portland Thorns FC . The match registered the team's highest attended game and was viewed as a means to generate more interest in the team. During the 2019 season, the team announced it would host two home matches at Audi Field. On November 12, 2019, the team announced that in the 2020 season , the Spirit reached an agreement with D.C. United that will split the team's home games between three stadiums,
1155-818: The Women's Premier Soccer League , Women's Premier Soccer League Elite league and National Women's Soccer League , the Red Stars played at the 3,000-seat Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex . During the club's 2012 WPSL Elite season, some matches were played at the Concordia University Chicago Athletic Complex in River Forest, Illinois and the Lakeside Athletic Field at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois due to renovation at Benedictine University. In December 2015,
1232-584: The Women's United Soccer Association 's Carolina Courage , was named as the Red Stars' general manager. On June 3, 2008, the "Red Stars" name was announced at a Toyota Park ceremony. The name refers to the four six-pointed red stars on the flag of Chicago . Each star represents a landmark event in Chicago history: Fort Dearborn , the Great Chicago Fire , the 1893 World's Fair , and the 1933 World's Fair . Other names considered were Progress, Towers , Union, Blues , 1871 , and Wind . "Red Stars"
1309-468: The 12th player (the team's fans) placed where the fuel for the torch would be representing how the fans "fuel the spirit." All of the components of the badge are "wrapped in the Banner of Spirit for a patriotic theme honoring our flag and all of those who have given their lives and sacrificed much so we can enjoy the freedoms we have." The logo was designed by freelance designer Pete Schwadel and incorporates
1386-417: The 2011 season. In 2012, the Red Stars co-founded and played in Women's Premier Soccer League Elite (WPSL-E): a one-year league which bridged the WPS and the NWSL. The club became a founding member of the NWSL, which was financially supported by U.S. Soccer , in 2012. In October 2022, they held the record for the longest active playoff streak (2015–2022) in the NWSL. It was announced on August 15, 2023 that
1463-463: The Best XI while Tatumn Milazzo was named to the 2nd Best XI. The Red Stars finished the year with a record of 11W, 8D and 10L. The club's original primary logo combined two Chicago images; the shape of the shield is taken from its equivalent in Chicago's city seal. The colors, stripes, and stars in the logo are inspired by the symbolism of Chicago's municipal flag, with the blue stripes representing
1540-537: The Board of Directors, and his role with the Chicago Red Stars and NWSL , played a role in players not speaking up, according to accusers. Players and parents were afraid Dames "could ruin the chance at a scholarship or a spot in the professional league" if they spoke up. An accuser said that "the monopoly over Chicago soccer, our belief that his connection to the college world was the only connection we would have — he used all of that to get away with doing and saying whatever
1617-538: The Chicago Red Stars announced their return to Toyota Park for their 2016 NWSL home games. FC Indiana owners Gary Weaver, Dale Weaver, and Shek Borkowski began the idea for what started as "Chicago Professional Women’s Soccer” and evidentially became the Chicago Red Stars. The FC Indiana owners brought in Peter Wilt to lead their efforts in establishing the team, and they assembled a broad ownership group. The Chicago Professional Women's Soccer investor group owned
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#17327803542671694-634: The Orange County Waves (another WPSL team with WPS connections; Brittany Klein, a 2009–10 Red Stars player, was on the Waves). In 2012, the Red Stars joined the former WPS Boston Breakers and Western New York Flash to found the WPSL Elite League. Five other former WPSL teams joined the league: ASA Chesapeake Charge , F.C. Indiana , New England Mutiny , New York Fury , and Philadelphia Fever . The Red Stars finished fourth in
1771-546: The Red Stars announced further additions to the club's ownership group, including Aimee Garcia , Josh Dixon, Bela Bajaria , Channing Dungey and spouse Scott Power, Keli Lee, Devin Johnson and daughter Carys Johnson, Ken Kaufman, Nora Mabie, Kim Vender Moffat, Stephen Moffat, Todd Vender, Nick Coleman, Jon Moonves, Jim Allen, Graham Allen, and Kirk Allen. On August 18, 2022, the NWSL announced that it had hired Haddon as chief marketing officer, and that Haddon had divested from
1848-708: The Red Stars announced that head coach Rory Dames had resigned effective immediately. Later that day, The Washington Post sports reporter Molly Hensley-Clancy reported that prior to resigning, The Post had approached the Red Stars Front Office with allegations from players, both previous and current, of abuse by Dames. The Post also provided documentation of reports made to United States Soccer Federation by players such as Christen Press as far back as 2014, detailing abuse, harassment, and inappropriate use of his power as head coach to manipulate players. “Three former Red Stars players, including one who played on
1925-405: The Red Stars finished 6th to clinch the final playoff spot and move on for the 7th consecutive season. This was decided after a 2–0 victory over Angel City FC. In the playoffs, the Red Stars traveled to San Diego and lost 2–1 in extra time after Alex Morgan scored her 16th goal of the regular season. Mallory Pugh finished as the team's leader in scoring (11 goals) and assists (6). She was named to
2002-699: The Red Stars from 2009 to 2010, during the team's membership in Women's Professional Soccer . The team's 2009 management group was Gary Weaver, Jim Willett, Arnim Whisler, and Peter Wilt. The teams's 2010 management group was Gary Weaver, Jim Willett, and Arnim Whisler. The Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL) was a partner. In addition to the IWSL, the team ownership included shareholders John (Jack) Cummins, Robert and Susan Morrison, Jim and Kathi Willett, Dale Weaver, Gary Weaver, Pin Ni, Dong Li, Arnim Whisler, Dean Egerter, Stephen Ritchie and Peter Wilt . Arnim Whisler took over
2079-403: The Red Stars prior to taking the job. On October 10, 2022, Red Stars players called on Whisler to sell the club. The letter followed the publication of reports of his role in the 2021 NWSL abuse scandal . Whisler announced on December 5 that he would sell the team, and that investment bank Inner Circle Sports would facilitate the sale. On September 1, 2023, Whisler and all minority owners of
2156-466: The Red Stars received Shannon Boxx , Amy LePeilbet , and Keelin Winters ; only Boxx had limited playing time that season. The Red Stars began the season with two draws and four losses. The mid-season arrival of Germans Sonja Fuss and Inka Grings revived the team somewhat, but not enough to qualify for the playoffs. The Red Stars played 22 matches with eight wins, six draws, and eight losses to finish
2233-532: The Red Stars sold their stakes to an investment group led by Laura Ricketts and including Angela E.L. Barnes, Traci P. Beck, Pittsburgh Penguins partner Debra Cafaro , Laura Desmond, Sidney Dillard, Megan Murphy, Editha Paras, Jennifer Pritzker , Hilary Rosen , Jessica Droste Yagan, Tom O'Reilly, and the Engelhardt family. The transaction valued the team at $ 35.5 million and included an additional $ 25 million in investment into club operations. It
2310-401: The Red Stars' 2010 squad. The team was coached by Chicago native Rory Dames, and continued their activity in the Chicago soccer community through their soccer camps. The Red Stars finished the regular season with a 10–1 record, hosting the playoff semifinals and championship matches. Defeating Tampa Bay Hellenic 2–1 in their semifinal, they lost in overtime by the same score in the final to
2387-477: The Spirit on March 30, 2022. The Spirit won their first NWSL Championship on Saturday November 20, 2021, when they defeated the Chicago Red Stars , 2–1 in extra-time at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. On December 20, 2021, the Spirit announced that interim head coach Kris Ward would become the team's permanent head coach. On August 22, 2022, the Spirit fired Ward after a 1–6–9 record to start
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2464-404: The Spirit organization. Owner Steve Baldwin outlined several planned improvements including theme nights for fans, pride night, a gear store in the stadium, and a mascot. The 2019 season also featured major changes on the field; fifteen new players were added to the Spirit roster including Australian national team members Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison . The Spirit surpassed their point total from
2541-424: The Spirit struggled to compete throughout the 2017 season ultimately finishing last (10th) for the first time since the inaugural season. However, building for the future, Gabarra was able to recruit U.S. national team prospect, Mallory Pugh mid-season. Pugh would go on to lead the team in scoring, registering 6 goals in 16 games. The 2018 season continued the Spirit's pursuit of young talent, but also continued
2618-440: The Spirit's 22 game season. On October 17, 2023, two days following the team's final defeat against North Carolina Courage , Mark Parsons was relieved of his duties as the Spirit's head coach after one season. On January 9, 2024, the club announced the hiring of FC Barcelona Femeni's Jonatan Giráldez Costas as their new head coach. Michele Kang has been the Spirit's majority and managing owner since March 30, 2022, after joining
2695-464: The Spirit's first three seasons of existence from 2013 through 2015. The Spirit started the season strong, collecting a league-high 23 points through their first 12 games. However, they would go on to win only 1 of their remaining 10 games ( 1–5–4 ), landing them in eighth place at the end of the season, one point below the playoff line. Defender Sam Staab collected her record-tying 3rd (and second consecutive) iron women season, playing every minute of
2772-509: The Washington Spirit 3–1. Forward Sam Kerr scored her 18th goal of the season in that game, breaking the record for goals scored in an NWSL season which she had set with Sky Blue FC in 2017. The Red Stars defeated the Portland Thorns 1–0 in a semifinal home game, and lost 4–0 to the North Carolina Courage in the final. Their season record was 14 wins, two draws, and eight losses. Chicago ended their season in fourth place, becoming
2849-488: The Wikimedia System Administrators, please include the details below. Request from 172.68.168.150 via cp1114 cp1114, Varnish XID 910586536 Upstream caches: cp1114 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:52:34 GMT Chicago Red Stars The Chicago Red Stars ( Chicago Stars Football Club starting in 2025) are an American professional women's soccer team based in
2926-410: The approval of the NWSL and French regulators. To avoid conflicts of interest, OL Groupe would sell its NWSL club, OL Reign . In January 2013, the team unveiled its new colors and badge. The badge was designed to resemble a torch reflecting the notion of "Burning with Spirit." It also contains a crown that holds 11 stars to represent the 11 players on the field and a ball with a single star to represent
3003-433: The beginning of the 2019 season the Spirit announced a broadcast partnership with NBC Sports Washington and Monumental Sports Network. In 2020, broadcast rights for NWSL matches was consolidated at the league level. Washington Spirit matches are broadcast on CBS Sports Network , Paramount+ and Twitch . International streaming began in 2021 via geolocked feeds on Twitch. For the 2024 season, ten Spirit matches will air on
3080-580: The club announced it had reached a deal with D.C. United to become a full-time tenant at Audi Field, playing its full home schedules at the Buzzard Point venue starting with the 2023 season. In addition, the team has relocated its training facilities to United Performance Center in Leesburg, Virginia. The Spirit Squadron is the name of the supporter's group for the Spirit. The group was started by friends Ashley Nichols, Megan Wesson and Tory Johnson. Of
3157-644: The club's September 25 match against Portland Thorns FC on WXFT-DT and WRTO AM . On November 22, 2021, The Washington Post published an article with allegations from players, both previous and current, of abuse by head coach Rory Dames. The Post provided documentation of reports made to the United States Soccer Federation by players, including Christen Press , as far back as 2014, detailing abuse, harassment, and inappropriate use of power as head coach to manipulate players. "Three former Red Stars players, including one who played on
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3234-673: The cup final was played at the same time as their final WPSL Elite regular-season match against the eventual third-place New York Fury . In November 2012, the Red Stars co-founded and was one of the original eight teams in a yet-to-be-named women's professional soccer league in concert with United States Soccer Federation , the Canadian Soccer Association , and the Mexican Football Federation . The league began competition in spring 2013. All NWSL teams received an allocation of USWNT players, and
3311-475: The first team in the NWSL to make the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. At the end of the regular season, the Red Stars named defender Sarah Gorden the team's first Iron Woman, an honor awarded for playing every minute of the season. The Red Stars faced the Washington Spirit at the NWSL Championship, held in Louisville, but lost 2–1 on overtime. On Monday, November 22, 2021, just after midnight,
3388-413: The gate under Mike Jorden, who was fired after the first eleven games having won only once in that time. Jorden was replaced by Mark Parsons , who finished the season in 8th (last) place registering only 2 more wins over the season. After a poor inaugural season, the Spirit would much improve in the 2014 making some key acquisitions including Jodie Taylor and Christine Nairn , both who would finish as
3465-590: The group's founding, Nichols said, "... with a new league we needed to show the team as much support as possible because we really want a women's pro league to stay here in the United States. So between that and wanting to also provide a fun experience for fans, we decided to create the Spirit Squadron." Rose Room Collective is an independent supporter group for the Washington Spirit and D.C. United by and for people of color (POC). They were founded on
3542-566: The hell he wanted to us." Initially, Arnim Whisler, the owner and chairman of the Red Stars, denied any knowledge of or complicity in Dames's abuse, claiming that "I have always strived to ensure that everyone hired in our environment is of high character and shares our positive values." However, an investigation by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates revealed that not only had Whisler known about Dames's abusive behavior for years, but he had chosen to ignore it, given Dames's successful record as
3619-420: The late arrival of international stars, at the end of May the team had six wins, one draw, and two losses; its performance was aided by rookies Julie Johnston , Vanessa DiBernardo , Hayley Brock , young players Jen Hoy , Rachel Quon , veterans Lori Chalupny and Michelle Wenino , and goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc . With a mid-season slump (one win in 11 matches during June and July), the team did not qualify for
3696-494: The league's funding requirements for the 2011 season; the league folded in 2011 for financial and legal reasons. The Red Stars joined the Women's Premier Soccer League in 2011. They played their home games at Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex , in west-suburban Chicago. The roster consisted of players from the women's national team U-20 and U-23 pools and collegiate players. The first players announced included three with WPS experience, including two from
3773-476: The league, making the playoffs. They advanced to the final, where they lost to the Flash in a 2–4 penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw at the end of extra time. Red Stars Ella Masar and Lori Chalupny were injured on the same play in the 33rd minute. WNY scored the equalizer in regulation with a 40-yard goal in the 97th minute to reach overtime. The Red Stars won the 2012 National Women's Cup with half their roster, since
3850-715: The majority of the team to tech executive Steve Baldwin in late 2018. Several other minority investors have since been added to the ownership group— Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton , daughters of U.S. presidents; Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Dominique Dawes ; and most recently (May 2021) Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin . On January 11, 2013, as part of the NWSL player allocation , goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (USA), defender Ali Krieger (USA), midfielder Lori Lindsey (USA), defender Robyn Gayle (CAN), midfielder Diana Matheson (CAN), defender Alina Garciamendez (MEX) and midfielder Teresa Worbis (MEX) were named to
3927-677: The national team were training for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup during weeks five and six. Rookie Sofia Huerta scored multiple goals in two matches, and was named the NWSL Player of the Week for weeks five and six and the May NWSL Player of the Month . The team was in first place from week four to week 13 of the regular season, ultimately finishing second. In the playoffs, they lost the semi-final to FC Kansas City . The team ended
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#17327803542674004-399: The ownership group in December 2020. On May 16, 2023, Kang and OL Groupe, the holding company of Olympique Lyonnais , announced the formation of a separate entity that would be composed of the Spirit and French women's top-division club Olympique Lyonnais Féminin . OL Groupe would retain a 48% stake in the resulting new entity, and Kang would become the club's majority owner and CEO, pending
4081-569: The playoffs and was edged out by head-to-head results with the Washington Spirit . The Red Stars began the 2015 season with three home games: a 3–2 win over the previous season's Supporting Shield winner Seattle Reign FC , a 2–2 draw with Portland Thorns FC , and a 1–0 win against Sky Blue FC. Christen Press scored four of the club's first five goals, and was named the April Player of the Month . Red Stars who were also members of
4158-418: The previous season on May 18 after the 5th game of the season against Portland Thorns FC. They would go on to surpass their past season's point total the next week against the Chicago Red Stars . They ultimately finished 5th in the 2019 NWSL standings. In September 2021, Burke was fired as head coach following an investigation into allegations of harassment and abusive behavior toward players. CEO Steve Baldwin
4235-611: The regional sports network Monumental Sports Network . The network’s slate will feature six home and four away matches during the upcoming season, building off the nine-match schedule on the network for the 2023 season. Most Valuable Player Golden Boot Goalkeeper of the Year Rookie of the Year Best XI First Team Best XI Second Team Women%27s soccer Too Many Requests If you report this error to
4312-409: The regular season in third place, and advanced to the playoffs. They played the semi-final at Boyds, Maryland against the Washington Spirit on September 30, losing 2–1. The Red Stars returned to Toyota Park for home games for the first time since their 2010 WPS season. For the third consecutive season, the Red Stars made the post-season playoffs. They were eliminated in the semi-final, losing 1–0 to
4389-506: The season in sixth place. In 2014, the Red Stars finished in fifth place. The club was waiting for United States international player Christen Press to join after completing her commitment to a European club, and the Canadian international player Melissa Tancredi to gain full fitness after college. The team signed two other internationals, Abby Erceg and Emily van Egmond , in May. Despite
4466-518: The season in sixth place. The Red Stars finished second in league attendance in 2009, behind the LA Sol. Agreeing to see the Red Stars through their first season, Peter Wilt stepped down as CEO at the end of 2009 to become general manager of the Milwaukee Wave (his hometown NISL team). General manager Marcia McDermott assumed many of Wilt's responsibilities, although he continued to support
4543-692: The standings throughout most of the season. Only in the final week would the Spirit's loss finalize them as league runners-up. Earning their first post-season victory against Chicago Red Stars , the Spirit would lose the 2016 NWSL Final in penalties to Western New York Flash . In the aftermath of finishing 2016 runners-up, the Spirit saw a series of key departures including captain Ali Krieger (traded to Orlando Pride ), Christine Nairn and Diana Matheson (both traded to Seattle Reign ), and Crystal Dunn leaving for Chelsea , while retaining her contracting rights. Unable to adequately replace these players,
4620-415: The struggle for results. On August 21, after eight straight losses and being eliminated from playoff contention, the Spirit fired head coach, Jim Gabarra , and appointed assistant coach, Tom Torres as interim head coach. Torres lead the Spirit through the final three matches of the season at home, including the Spirit's debut at newly opened Audi Field against Portland Thorns FC on August 25. The match set
4697-801: The team after the 2010 season, and continued to operate it for the 2011 season in the WPSL while helping to reorganize the WPS. Whisler remained its sole owner until 2021. On March 1, 2021, the Red Stars announced a new ownership group led by co-founder (and majority owner) Arnim Whisler and his family. In addition to Whisler, the ownership group is led by founding members Dean Egerter and Steve Ritchie and includes additional members Jessie Becker, Julie Haddon, Israel Idonije , Jordan Levin , Abel Lezcano, Colleen Mares, Michael Raimondi, Kendall Coyne Schofield , Michael Schofield , Sarah Spain , Marie Tillman, Brian Walsh, Kevin Willer, and David M. Zapata. On May 4, 2021,
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#17327803542674774-478: The team at the time of the investigation, told The Post that they had wanted to speak to U.S. Soccer investigators but had never heard from them," reported Molly Hensley-Clancy. "Two had left the team because of Dames's abuse, they said." In February 2022, the Washington Post published a follow-up story reporting claims of misconduct dating back to the late 1990s, including a 1998 police report involving
4851-434: The team at the time of the investigation, told The Post that they had wanted to speak to U.S. Soccer investigators but had never heard from them,” reported Hensley-Clancy. “Two had left the team because of Dames's abuse, they said.” A busy offseason saw the Red Stars trade Makenzy Doniak , Katie Johnson and 2021 college draftee Kelsey Turnbow who never played in a Red Stars uniform to San Diego Wave FC for protection in
4928-459: The team colors of navy, red, and white, further reinforcing the patriotic theme woven throughout the team's imagery. It also features both "Washington" and "DC" to represent the team's connection with the District and the greater Washington metropolitan area. In March 2023, the team unveiled a new chrome crest and new colors of black and white for the season. The updated visual identity is part of
5005-593: The team on the league's board of governors and as president of the Chicago Red Stars Charitable Foundation. The Red Stars began their second season with high hopes and new faces. They lost their first game at Sky Blue FC 1–0, after dominating much of the game. A 1–1 home tie in their second game earned the Stars their first point of the season. After a successful season, the team left WPS on December 13 because they were unable to meet
5082-415: The team's tops scorers with 11 and 8 goals, respectively. Finishing 4th, the Spirit made their first NWSL Playoff appearance. They would lose at Seattle Reign . The Spirit finished the 2015 season with a record of 8–6–6 and repeating their 4th place league position. The playoff result, again, ended in an away loss to Seattle in the semifinals. The season would be the breakout year for Crystal Dunn who
5159-476: The team. During the February 7, 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft , the team selected Stephanie Ochs , Tori Huster , Jordan Angeli , Natasha Kai , Megan Mischler and Heather Cooke . The Spirit played their first competitive match on April 14, 2013, drawing Boston Breakers 1–1 with Tiffany McCarty scoring the team's first goal assisted by Stephanie Ochs . The inaugural season saw the Spirit stumble out of
5236-467: The two branches of the Chicago River . In 2017, the club's primary and secondary logos were updated with a design created by Julie Rochelle. In October 2024, the team announced they would be adopting a new crest and colors in conjunction with the change in team name to "Chicago Stars Football Club". The new crest has only one red star instead of four, includes two shades of blue, and "includes
5313-466: Was also accused of nepotism and retaliatory behavior, leading to fellow co-owner Michele Kang to call for him to step down and sell his ownership interest in the team. Fans and Spirit players alike echoed this sentiment. On October 14, 2021, the Washington Post reported that Steve Baldwin had announced to club investors that he intended to sell the club. Kang officially became majority owner of
5390-416: Was announced on April 17, 2019 that NBC Sports Chicago would be the Red Stars' new regional broadcaster, televising all regular-season matches (beginning with their second match of the 2019 season). Seven 2019 matches were scheduled to be carried on its overflow channel, NBC Sports Chicago Plus. On August 23, 2021, the Red Stars announced that Univision Chicago would simulcast Spanish-language coverage of
5467-481: Was announced on November 21, 2012, with Washington selected as a host for one of the eight teams selected for the inaugural season. In December 2012, the team's name was announced as the Washington Spirit. D.C. United Women head coach Mike Jorden was kept on as well as assistant coach Cindi Harkes. Bill Lynch, the original Washington Spirit's owner when the National Women's Soccer League launched in 2013, sold
5544-495: Was announced that Chicago would field a team in a new women's professional soccer league. The team joined six others ( Washington Freedom , Boston Breakers , Los Angeles Sol , FC Gold Pride , Sky Blue FC , and Saint Louis Athletica ) in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) for the league's inaugural season in 2009. Marcia McDermott , former head coach of the Northwestern University women's soccer team and
5621-460: Was awarded the 2015 NWSL Golden Boot Award , scoring 15 goals during the campaign. At the conclusion of the season, Mark Parsons stepped down as head coach and general manager to take over as coach of Portland Thorns FC . Building off the successes of the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the Spirit hired former Sky Blue FC head coach, Jim Gabarra ahead of the 2016 season . The Spirit had their most successful season to date in 2016, being league leaders in
5698-451: Was broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and was available for streaming on the company's online streaming platform, Fox Sports Go . As of April 2017, Washington Spirit games are streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers. For the 2017 season, the Spirit will be featured in three nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcasts on April 22, June 17, and August 19, 2017. At
5775-505: Was chosen by popular vote in a two-month fan poll. The Red Stars won their first game of the season, 1–0, at Saint Louis Athletica . They followed with two ties (1–1 at Washington Freedom and 0–0 hosting Sky Blue FC) and a 4–0 shutout of the Boston Breakers at Toyota Park. This was the best starting record of any team in the league except season champions Los Angeles Sol , seeming to live up to preseason predictions. The team
5852-544: Was coming off of an ACL injury, and later announced she was pregnant, Sarah Woldmoe was pregnant and it seemed like it would be a long season for the Red Stars. The new head coach was announced as Chris Petrucelli . In the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup the Red Stars finished 2nd in the Central Division behind the Kansas City Current and did not move on. In the 2022 National Women's Soccer League season
5929-414: Was then winless for its next nine games (with three away draws), including a 451-minute scoring drought. The Washington Freedom , scored first in their next game, indicating that the streak would continue. However, the Red Stars came from behind to win 2–1. They defeated last-place FC Gold Pride 3–1 in their next game before losing four of their last five games, eliminating them from the playoffs and ending
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