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.

After week 14, Sam Staab (1433), Nádia Gomes (1066), Julia Grosso (1063) and Manaka Hayashi (1048) have all played over 1,000 minutes for the Stars this season. Staab has started in all of Chicago’s 16 matches and leads the squad with 1195 touches, 906 passes, 106 clearances, 22 blocks and 21 interceptions. Maitane leads the Stars with 30 tackles while Gomes leads with 56 recoveries. Offensively, Grosso leads Chicago with 18 chances created, while Jordyn Huitema leads with four goals and Ryan Connaughton leads with two assists.

Chicago is 3-5-2 against Racing dating back to Louisville’s inaugural season in 2021. The last time the Stars faced Racing was a 1-1 draw at Lynn Family Stadium on October 10, 2025.

During Chicago’s last match against Orlando on July 24, Staab played her 5,000 minute in a Stars’ jersey since signing with the club in 2024. Against the Pride, Katie Atkinson set a new season-high of 10 saves, including saving a penalty kick from Marta in the 43rd minute. Defender Elise Evans made her professional debut against Orlando after signing with Chicago in January 2026.

Chicago’s latest addition to the midfield Anna Gasper, who signed with the Stars on July 9 from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, will be available for her first match this weekend against Racing Louisville FC.

The Stars signed Gasper through the 2027 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2028. The German midfielder joins the Stars after winning four consecutive league titles with Benfica in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino, the top women’s league in Portugal, and competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Gasper made 14 UWCL appearances and 28 league appearances since 2023 with Benfica. Her accolades in Portugal include the Taça de Portugal (2023–24), Taça da Liga (2022–23, 2023–24), and Supertaça de Portugal (2023), while her career total spans over 140 appearances with 16 goals.

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.