After being announced as Chicago’s new head coach late last year, Martin Sjögren’s first season with the Stars is underway. The Swede arrives in Chicago after more than a decade coaching at various Swedish teams and a stint at the helm of the Norwegian Women’s National Team. Sjögren earned his first NWSL win in a 2-1 victory over the reigning NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current on Sunday, March 22. Current assistant coach Anders Jacobson previously joined the Stars in August 2025 as interim head coach ahead of Sjögren's arrival, setting the foundation for what would become the team’s identity under the duo.

The Stars are undefeated against the Legacy after beating the NWSL expansion team 2-0 in the clubs’ first meeting earlier this season on April 25 at Martin Stadium. Jordyn Huitema and Nádia Gomes each scored in the Stars’ win, while goalie Katie Atkinson tied her career-high of eight saves. Friday’s matchup will be the first time Chicago takes on Boston on the road.

Goalie Katie Atkinson leads Chicago with three wins and two clean sheets between the pipes. Atkinson is fourth in the NWSL in save percentage (84.85) and fifth in goals against average (1). In her five games played this season, Atkinson has recorded 28 saves, seven clearances, 51 recoveries and five goals against.

Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was announced by the league as the Chicago Stars’ nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, which recognizes an NWSL Player for outstanding service and character off the pitch and in the community. Atkinson will team up with Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The center is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for pediatric oncology and treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois. Before joining the Chicago Stars, Atkinson was previously Racing Louisville FC’s nominee for the 2024 edition of the award, partnering with another local children’s hospital, Norton Children’s. Lund worked extensively with pediatric oncology organizations throughout her time in Louisville and plans to continue doing so in Chicago, beginning with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Lurie Children’s.