Defender Zoe Morse, will not return to the Chicago Red Stars next season. Morse’s contract ended following the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season.

“Zoe showed great leadership and tenacity this season when she was asked to play a role in our defense that she was not expecting at the start of the season,” said Red Stars Associate General Manager, Michelle Lomnicki. “Zoe has a bright future ahead of her, both on and off the field, and we thank her for all that she contributed to the club during her time with us.”

The defender stepped into the Red Stars’ back line this season and provided consistency for the club, playing all but one regular-season game, which she missed due to yellow card accumulation. In a breakout season, Morse made 100 clearances, 11 blocks and 20 interceptions, while completing over 80 percent of her passes and winning 64 percent of her duels. Morse also contributed to the offense by recording one assist. On September 14, when the Red Stars faced off against the Kansas City Current, Morse cleaned up a loose ball in Chicago’s box with a pass that found Mallory Pugh who then carried the ball across the pitch and scored for the Red Stars.

This season Zoe’s teammates nominated her for the NWSL Players Association’s Ally Award, an award that recognizes a player that embodies the idea of “teammate.”

The Red Stars thank Zoe for her leadership on and off the field and wish her the very best in the next stage of her career.