The Chicago Red Stars announced today that the club has loaned defender Abby Erceg to Japanese side AS Elfen Saitama of the Japanese L. League.

Erceg, 25, has started in 23 matches following her second season with the Red Stars. The central defender has been a mainstay in the backline, totaling 1,085 minutes in the 2015 season despite missing games due to captaining the New Zealand Women’s National Team in the World Cup.

Erceg will return to the Chicago Red Stars prior to the start of the 2016 NWSL season. Season tickets may be purchased by clicking here or by calling 773-697-8699.