Under the direction of second-year head coach Chris Petrucelli, the Red Stars will look to build on a season that saw them reach the postseason once again with a second-place finish in the Central Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup to boot. Now, behind returning key players like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, and forwards Yuki Nagasato and Mallory Swanson, the side will need to gel quickly amid many moving parts in order to challenge for another playoff berth.

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11^th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season. In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener. Chicago Red Stars 2022 Season : 6 ^th | 9-7-6 – 33 points Big Additions : * Julia Bianchi – former Palmeiras midfielder and Brazil international

• Cari Roccaro – two-time NWSL champion, acquired via trade with Angel City FC

• Penelope Hocking – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 7 overall pick Key Games : * March 25: San Diego Wave FC (A) – Regular Season Opener

• April 1: Houston Dash (H) – Regular Season Home Opener

• May 3: Houston Dash (A) – Challenge Cup Opener What to Know : Under the direction of second-year head coach Chris Petrucelli, the Red Stars will look to build on a season that saw them reach the postseason once again with a second-place finish in the Central Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup to boot. Now, behind returning key players like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, and forwards Yuki Nagasato and Mallory Swanson, the side will need to gel quickly amid many moving parts in order to challenge for another playoff berth. There are more veterans returning to Chicago in addition to the crop above. The likes of forward Ella Stevens and defender Bianca St-Georges are back and ready to go, and the club will no doubt be excited by the return of defenders Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger, both of whom missed last year with Davidson making a comeback following an ACL injury and Krueger returning after pregnancy. It’s Chicago’s midfield that will look entirely different, with Cari Roccaro, Addie McCain, and Julia Bianchi—all of whom were acquired in the offseason–taking the place of Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Morgan Gautrat, who all opted to sign with other teams in the offseason. Bianchi will no doubt be one to watch after making a name for herself as one of the most versatile midfielders in Brazil’s top flight. However, by no means should Chicago be discounted, especially with the likes of Nagasato, Stevens, and Swanson back in addition to draftees Hocking and Ally Schlegel, both of whom arrive via the Penn State Nittany Lions. The road to a record-setting eighth-straight postseason appearance may not be easy, but the Red Stars will give it all they’ve got in a World Cup year that will make the regular season all the more interesting.