Two additional signings pending, to be announced shortly
CHICAGO, Illinois – The Chicago Red Stars today announced an 18-player roster for the 2015 NWSL campaign. Two additional signings by the club are currently pending and are expected to be announced later this week. While the league kicks off this coming weekend, the Red Stars have a bye and open their season on April 18 with a home match against current Shield holders Seattle Reign FC.
The Red Stars squad features a total of eight internationals likely to participate in this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. In addition to club icon Lori Chalupny, rising stars Christen Press and Julie Johnston, and Shannon Boxx in the American camp, Chicago also boast three Canadian standouts in goalkeeping legend Karina LeBlanc, fellow Olympic bronze medalist Melissa Tancredi and striker Adriana Leon, as well as New Zealand captain Abby Erceg.
Also on the Red Stars roster are three of the club’s 2015 NWSL College Draft picks in defender Arin Gilliland (Kentucky), U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Danielle Colaprico (Virginia) and striker Sofia Huerta (Santa Clara), who were announced as the club’s latest signings earlier today. Returning players include Canada international Rachel Quon, fellow defender Michelle Lomnicki, midfielders Vanessa DiBernardo and Alyssa Mautz, and forward Jen Hoy.
Forward Zakiya Bywaters, who recently underwent successful hip surgery to repair a calcified labral tear, has been placed on the season-ending injury list. She will be out for the 2015 campaign and therefore will not count against the official 20-player roster. Forward Hayley Brock has opted against returning this year in order to focus on completing her academic studies.
The 2015 Red Stars season kicks off on April 18 with the team’s big home opener against Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and current NWSL Shield holders Seattle Reign FC. Single-game and season tickets may be purchased by clicking here or by calling 773-698-6001.
2015 Chicago Red Stars Roster *
| Name | Position | Date of birth | Nationality | Hometown |
| Karina LeBlanc | Goalkeeper | March 30, 1980 | Canada | Maple Ridge, BC |
| Abby Erceg | Defender | November 20, 1989 | New Zealand | Whangarei, New Zealand |
| Arin Gilliland | Defender | December 25, 1992 | USA | Wilmore, KY |
| Taryn Hemmings | Defender | April 25, 1986 | USA | Greeley, CO |
| Samantha Johnson | Defender | June 10, 1991 | USA | Palmdale, CA |
| Julie Johnston | Defender | April 6, 1992 | USA | Mesa, AZ |
| Michelle Lomnicki | Defender | May 3, 1987 | USA | Aurora, CO |
| Rachel Quon | Defender | May 21, 1991 | Canada | Lake Forest, IL |
| Shannon Boxx | Midfielder | June 29, 1977 | USA | Torrance, CA |
| Zakiya Bywaters ** | Midfielder | July 24, 1991 | USA | Las Vegas, NV |
| Lori Chalupny | Midfielder | January 29, 1984 | USA | St. Louis, MO |
| Vanessa DiBernardo | Midfielder | May 15, 1992 | USA | Naperville, IL |
| Danielle Colaprico | Midfielder-Forward | May 6, 1993 | USA | Freehold, NJ |
| Alyssa Mautz | Midfielder-Forward | July 29, 1989 | USA | St. Louis, MO |
| Jen Hoy | Forward | January 18, 1991 | USA | Sellersville, PA |
| Sofia Huerta | Forward | December 14, 1992 | USA | Boise, ID |
| Adriana Leon | Forward | October 2, 1992 | Canada | King City, ON |
| Christen Press | Forward | December 29, 1988 | USA | Palos Verdes, CA |
| Melissa Tancredi | Forward | December 27, 1981 | Canada | Hamilton, ON |
* Additional signings pending ** On season-ending injury list due to calcified labral tear (hip surgery successfully performed)
"*" indicates required fields
