The Chicago Red Stars have signed goalkeeper Sydney Schneider to a one-year contract with a one-year option for an undisclosed transfer fee. Schneider joins the Red Stars from AC Sparta Praha of the Czech Women’s First League.

“Sydney is a very exciting young goalkeeper that we’re thrilled to welcome to Chicago,” said Karen Leetzow, Chicago Red Stars president. “With two World Cups and Champions League experience under her belt, Sydney will be successful in this league.” 

“I am super excited and grateful to be joining the Chicago Red Stars! I cannot wait to get started with the team, staff and organization that is deeply rooted in the culture and community of Chicago,” said Schneider. 

Schneider joined Sparta in 2022 and has played 15 matches for the club across all competitions including two in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Prior to joining the Czech side, Schneider was a member of the Kansas City Current where she signed after spending the 2021 season with the Washington Spirit. The New Jersey native was drafted by the Spirit in the third round of the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League Draft from UNC-Wilmington.  

Internationally, Schneider has played for the Jamaican Women’s National Team since 2018. In 2019, Schneider was selected to join the Reggae Girlz’s World Cup roster and started in two of the team’s group stage matches. At the time, 19-year-old Schneider was tasked with the start for Jamaica against the always dangerous Brazil team. In the 37th minute Brazil was awarded a penalty shot, which Schneider blocked earning her praise from Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt. In the next match against Italy, Schneider faced another penalty shot that the keeper blocked, but ultimately had to be retaken. Schneider has 10 starts in 12 appearances for Jamaica and was part of the Reggae Girlz’s roster for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.  

At UNC-Wilmington, Schneider played in 44 matches and started in 36. In 2019 the keeper was a First-Team All-Colonial Athletic Association and NCCSIA All-State selection and became the first-ever recipient of CAA Goalkeeper of the Year award. After being selected by the Washington Spirit in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Schneider became the first player from UNCW to be drafted into the league.