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The Chicago Stars have made a significant coaching change, dismissing head coach Martin Sjögren alongside assistant Anders Jacobson amid a challenging run that has left the team at the bottom of the NWSL standings.
Since May, the Stars managed only a single victory, culminating in a disappointing 4-1-13 record and a negative goal differential of 24. In response, the club has appointed assistant coach Karina Báez as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
New Leadership and Strategic Changes
Alongside Báez’s elevation, the Stars have welcomed Nicole Lukic as their new assistant coach. Lukic brings experience from the USL Super League’s Spokane Zephyr and USL-W’s Minnesota Aurora, adding fresh coaching perspective to the struggling squad.
In a notable move, Chicago is reinstating former head coach Lorne Donaldson as interim director of coaching. This decision is unexpected considering Donaldson’s sudden midseason departure from the club last year, signaling a strategic attempt to restore stability and experience to the coaching staff.
Team president Karen Leetzow emphasized the club’s commitment to improvement, stating, “We are determined to make our club a serious contender in the NWSL and have a plan in place to do so beginning now and leading into the 2027 season.”
The Stars are set to return to action tomorrow, facing off against the No. 9-ranked Seattle team at 10 PM ET, with the match available on NWSL+.
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