Look to defend 2015 WPSL National Title

CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars Reserves returned to action on Saturday for the 2016 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season after finishing the 2015 season undefeated and crowned WPSL National Champions. In their season opener the Red Stars Reserves defeated Quad Cities 8-0 behind a three-goal performance from Jannelle Flaws.

The Red Stars Reserves are the official amateur team of the Chicago Red Stars pro-side of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and are comprised of current and former star collegiate soccer players. Returning presenting sponsors for the 2016 Chicago Red Stars Reserves season are Illinois Women’s Soccer League (IWSL) and Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA).

The amateur team provides an opportunity to compete at an elite level and to possibly be called up to the Red Stars’ pro team. After winning the National Championship with the Reserves in 2015, Mary Luba was signed to a professional contract with the first team for the remainder of the 2015 season and is a member of the 2016 Chicago Red Stars, currently in first place in NWSL.

During the 2016 NWSL College Draft, Chicago drafted five members of the 2015 Red Stars Reserves, including Sarah Gorden (DePaul), Courtney Raetzman (University of Kentucky) and Katie Naughton (Notre Dame), who made the final roster for the Red Stars’ first team. Ashleigh Ellenwood (University of Arkansas) and Jannelle Flaws (University of Illinois) were also drafted by Chicago and will join the Reserves roster in hopes of earning a call-up.

Chris King returns as Head Coach of the Chicago Red Stars Reserves squad for his third season. After winning the WPSL National Championship and guiding the Red Stars to a 13-0-1 record, King was recognized as the 2015 WPSL National Coach of the Year.

The Red Stars Reserves play all home games at the Oak Brook Polo Field in Oak Brook, Illinois. All games are free admission. The full schedule can be viewed here.

2016 CHICAGO RED STARS RESERVES ROSTER
Vienna Behnke (Croatian Eagles SC)
Alexa Ben (DePaul)
Kassidy Brown (Illinois)
Ashley Campbell (Seattle Sounders Women)
Aprul Cronin
Hannah Davison (Northwestern)
Lucy Edwards (DePaul)
Veronica Ellis (Indiana)
Jannelle Flaws (Illinois)
Kelly Fritz (UIC)
Nicole Hopkins (Pitt)
Kelli Hubly (DePaul)
Adrienne Jordan (Northern Colorado)
Katarina Karabetsos (Cal State LA)
Kaelyn Korte (Central Michigan)
Sydney McGinnis (Wisconsin)
Kaitlin Moore (Northwestern)
Jennifer Pelley (SIUE)
Morgan Proffitt (Marquette)
Caroline Pyzdrowski (Marquette)
Abigail Reed (DePaul)
Rebekah Roller (Merilappi United)
Lauren Sajewich (TCU)
Taylor Schissler (DePaul)
Kayla Sharples (Northwestern)
Brianna Smallidge (Seattle)
Crystal Thomas (Georgetown)
Gabby Veldman (Ball State)
Anna Rosa James-Buhiga (Lipscomb)
Ashleigh Ellenwood (Arkansas)