Chicago Stars Close Season With 2-0 Loss, Turn Toward 2027

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Chicago Stars FC ended its 2026 season with a 2-0 loss to the Washington Spirit on Sunday, closing a difficult campaign as the club prepares for changes on and off the field in 2027.

The Stars finished with five wins, 23 losses and two draws for 17 points, placing last in the 16-team National Women's Soccer League.

Chicago and Washington remained scoreless through the first half at Audi Field before an own goal credited to Stars defender Michelle Alozie put the Spirit ahead in the 62nd minute. Trinity Rodman added Washington's second goal late in the match.

Despite the result, Chicago finished with a 19-18 advantage in shots and a 4-3 edge in shots on target, according to the club's recap.

Staab Reaches Club Milestone

Defender Sam Staab made her 56th consecutive appearance for Chicago, tying Cari Roccaro for the second-longest streak in club history. Staab appeared in all 30 matches this season, including 29 starts.

Forward Simone Charley led the Stars with five shots despite entering as a substitute in the 61st minute. Charley replaced Mallory Swanson, while Anna Gasper came on for Julia Grosso at the same time. Alyssa Naeher started in goal for Chicago.

Washington's victory secured the Spirit the third seed and a home quarterfinal in the NWSL playoffs. The match drew a sellout crowd of 19,322, according to Washington's recap.

Club Looks Toward 2027

Chicago's offseason follows the September arrival of Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski, who is overseeing the club's soccer operations as it builds toward next season.

As Patch previously reported, the Stars acquired Zambia national team forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC in October for $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds.

Kundananji, Bay FC's all-time scoring leader at the time of the trade, joined Chicago through the 2027 season. She was the club's first roster addition under Andonovski.

The Stars will also continue their North Shore presence. All 15 league home matches in 2027 will be played at Northwestern University's Martin Stadium in Evanston.

The club plans to open its performance center in Bannockburn in 2027. The 10-acre site is designed to serve as the hub for team operations, with two full-size soccer fields, a goalkeeper-specific field and a 45,000-square-foot building with training and recovery spaces.

Past Coverage

• Chicago Stars Acquire Zambia Forward Racheal Kundananji
• Chicago Stars To Keep Playing Home Matches At Northwestern In 2027
• Chicago Stars FC Building Player-Centric Performance Center In Bannockburn