Chicago Stars’ Season Struggles: Can Vlatko Andonovski Revive the Team?
The Chicago Stars have had a rollercoaster season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this year. From impressive victories to unexpected defeats, the team has experienced plenty of highs and lows, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
This comprehensive review looks at the key moments, standout players, and tactical changes that shaped the Stars’ 2026 season. It also considers what might come next for the Chicago Stars.
Key Moments of the Season
The 2026 season brought several pivotal moments that shaped the Chicago Stars’ journey. Here are some of the most significant:
- Opening Day Triumph: The Stars opened their season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Portland Thorns, setting a positive tone for the months ahead.
- Mid-Season Slump: A difficult stretch in June saw the team lose three straight matches, raising concerns about their playoff prospects.
- Crucial Win Against Rivals: A hard-fought 1-0 win over the North Carolina Courage in August revived the team’s playoff hopes.
- Playoff Berth Secured: The Stars clinched their playoff spot with a dramatic 2-1 win over OL Reign in the final regular-season game.
Standout Players
Several players made major contributions to the team’s performance this season. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.
Alex Morgan
Veteran forward Alex Morgan remained a pivotal figure for the Chicago Stars. Her experience and leadership proved invaluable, and she finished as the team’s top scorer with 15 goals.
Morgan’s ability to deliver in crucial moments played a major role in the Stars’ success.
Tierna Davidson
Defender Tierna Davidson anchored the Stars’ back line. Her defensive skill and ability to read the game helped the team maintain its shape, even during difficult matches.
Her performances earned her a place in the NWSL Best XI for the season.
Casey Krueger
Midfielder Casey Krueger served as the team’s engine room. Her tireless work rate and control of the tempo mattered in both defensive and attacking phases.
Krueger’s versatility also allowed her to contribute from several positions throughout the season.
Tactical Evolutions
Throughout the season, the Chicago Stars made several tactical adjustments to handle different opponents and situations. Here are some of the main changes:
Formation Shifts
Head coach Rory Dames tried several formations, including a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2. These changes gave the team more flexibility and helped it respond to opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
The 3-5-2, in particular, added defensive solidity while giving the wing-backs more freedom to support the attack.
High Pressing Game
The Stars used a high press for much of the season, looking to disrupt the opposition’s buildup and win the ball back quickly. The approach worked especially well against teams that preferred to play out from the back.
It forced opponents into mistakes and created scoring chances for the Stars.
Set-Piece Threat
Set pieces became a major weapon for the Stars, with several goals coming from corners and free kicks. Their success in these situations reflected strong preparation and quality delivery, especially from players such as Morgan and Krueger.
Challenges Faced
Despite their successes, the Chicago Stars dealt with several challenges during the season. These obstacles tested the team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure.
Injury Woes
The team dealt with a series of injuries to key players, including a midseason setback for Davidson that kept her out of several crucial games. The absences tested the squad’s depth.
Younger players had to step up while more experienced teammates recovered.
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Consistency Issues
Consistency also proved difficult for the Stars. The team moved through stretches of uneven form, pairing impressive victories with unexpected defeats.
Finding a steadier level of performance remained a challenge throughout the season.
Fixture Congestion
A crowded schedule, with multiple games played in quick succession, created another problem. The coaching staff had to manage fatigue and keep players performing at their best through careful rotation and planning.
Looking Ahead
As the Chicago Stars prepare for next season, they have several areas to address while building on their successes:
Squad Depth
Improving squad depth will be important when injuries and fixture congestion arise. The team will need to recruit wisely and develop its younger players so it has enough resources to compete at the highest level.
Tactical Refinements
The Stars will also need to keep refining their tactical approach. They can build on the strongest parts of their game while addressing weaknesses, including the need for greater attacking creativity and continued defensive solidity.
Building Consistency
Achieving greater consistency will remain a key objective. The team needs to find ways to maintain its performance and avoid the dips in form that affected parts of this season.
That will require both mental and physical preparation so the players can perform at their best in every match.
Overall, the 2026 season was a memorable one for the Chicago Stars, filled with excitement, challenges, and growth. As they prepare for the future, the team will aim to build on its achievements and continue striving for excellence in the NWSL.
For a detailed review of the Chicago Stars’ 2026 season, you can read the full article on The New York Times.