CHICAGO – The Red Stars announced today the roster ahead of this weekend’s opening match of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. The team will kick off the sixth NWSL season on Sunday, March 25, at 4 p.m. CT on the road in Houston for the third-consecutive year.

After the third-consecutive playoff run in 2017, the Red Stars return 16 players from last year’s roster, including four U.S. Women’s National Team players – Julie Ertz, Sofia Huerta, Alyssa Naeher and Casey Short.

Following another strong preseason, Chicago has signed two new players to contracts ahead of the new season – 2018 NWSL College Draft pick Emily Boyd and 2017 NWSL College Draft pick Michele Vasconcelos.

Chicago will be showcasing some new faces, including 2017 NWSL Golden Boot and MVP winner Sam Kerr, former Sky Blue FC midfielder Nikki Stanton and former Boston Breaker and New Zealand international Rosie White.

The Red Stars will return to Toyota Park on Saturday, March 31, against the Portland Thorns. The match will take place following the MLS-side Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers game, as part of a doubleheader event at Toyota Park. Tickets are available here.

Chicago Red Stars Roster:
Rostered Players (21 of 20 spots filled)
Goalkeepers (2): Emily Boyd, Alyssa Naeher (FED-USA)
Defenders (6): Taylor Comeau, Arin Gilliland, Sarah Gorden, Samantha Johnson, Katie Naughton, Casey Short (FED-USA)
Midfielders (8): Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, Julie Ertz (FED-USA), Lauren Kaskie, Alyssa Mautz, Nikki Stanton, Michele Vasconcelos, Rosie White (INT-NZL/PEN/DD)
Forwards (5): Summer Green, Sofia Huerta, Sam Kerr (INT-AUS), Stephanie McCaffrey, Yuki Nagasato (INT-JPN)

Federation Players (FED): 3
International Roster Spots Filled (INTL): 3

KEY:
FED (Federation Player)
DD (Dispersal Draft)
INT (International Roster Spot)
PEN (Pending)