CHICAGO – Head Coach Rory Dames has named Gary Curneen and Craig Harrington as Red Stars Assistant Coaches ahead of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season.

Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland, Curneen played collegiately at Wingate University in North Carolina, helping lead the men’s soccer team to their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff berth.

Taking his playing talents to the coaching side, Curneen served as Head Coach for his alma mater’s women’s soccer program, leading the team to a 95-48-8 record during his nine seasons. Before coaching the women’s side, he acted as Assistant Coach for Wingate’s men’s program for two seasons. After Wingate, Curneen was the women’s soccer Assistant Coach at University of Cincinnati in 2013.

Most recently, Curneen was named the women’s soccer Head Coach at California State University Bakersfield in 2014. After a successful 2016 season where the team placed second in league standings with a 4-2-1 conference record, he was named 2016 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Coach of the Year.

In addition to his vast coaching experience, Curneen is the author of ‘The Modern Soccer Coach’ series, helping educate and provide tools for coaches to learn and grow.

“I am excited about joining the Red Stars staff, where hopefully my coaching experience at the Division I collegiate level, along with my passion for both individual and team development, will add value to the team and organization,” said Curneen. “I’ve got a huge desire for supporting players and coaches in their quest for success, and I am really looking forward to working with a coach like Rory [Dames], who has an excellent reputation and has built a phenomenal team and culture here. “

Curneen holds a UEFA ‘A’ License from the Irish FA and a Premier Diploma from the NSCAA.

Originally from Middlesex, England, Harrington played club soccer with Oxford United FC and Swindon Town FC Academy.

Harrington started his coaching career in 2010, acting as a Head Coach in the youth academy of MLS’s LA Galaxy. Harrington led the Under-16 team to the 2011-12 USSDA SoCal Division Championship, as well as having 12 players being called in to either the U-15 or U-17 U.S. National Team camp.

While with LA Galaxy, Harrington was part of the club’s staff that won consecutive MLS Cup titles (2011, 2012).

Leaving LA Galaxy after three seasons, Harrington became Technical Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Team ahead of the 2014 Caribbean Cup Qualifying. He was able to take the National Team to their highest-ever place in the FIFA rankings, jumping 27 spots in five months. He left the position in 2016.

“The chance to work with Rory and his staff is a huge honor for me,” said Harrington. “I am ambitious and this is THE club for achieving things and being successful.”

Harrington holds a U.S. Soccer Federation ‘A’ License.

Season Tickets and Flex Packs are on sale now, and fans can secure 2018 Season Tickets for as low as $180. Visit chicagoredstars.com to purchase your tickets today.