CHICAGO (September 4, 2014) – The Chicago Red Stars today announced that the team has re-signed midfielder and team captain Lori Chalupny and New Zealand international Abby Erceg.

Chalupny, a 30-year-old St. Louis, MO native, started in 22 games for the Red Stars this season, netting five goals. She ranked 10^th in the National Women’s Soccer League for minutes played with 2003.

In 2013, Chalupny started in and captained 17 of 18 matches for the squad, totaling 1500 minutes played. She registered 5 goals and 4 assists for the season and finished 3rd in overall league MVP voting for the year.

“I’m extremely excited to re-sign with the Red Stars,” said Chalupny. “Over the past three years Chicago has become a second home to me. Nothing would make me happier than to win a championship in 2015 for our amazing fans.”

Prior to her NWSL career, Chalupny played for the Chicago Red Stars in WPSL-Elite and for the Atlanta Beat and St. Louis Athletica in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).

Chalupny is a former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and 2007 U.S. Women’s World Cup Team.

Erceg, 24, joined the Red Stars this past season and played in, and started, 11 games for the team. She was an instrumental part of Chicago’s defense, and even earned this year’s Chicago Red Stars Unsung Hero award, as voted on by media, fans, and team staff.

Erceg is also captain of the New Zealand Women’s National Team, and represented her country at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2008 Olympic games.

The Red Stars also announced to the club has loaned Erceg to her former club FF USV Jena in the German Frauen-Bundesliga. She will return to Chicago before the start of the 2015 NWSL season.