Midfielder returns to the club for the upcoming 2021 NWSL Season 

CHICAGO (January 11, 2021) — The Chicago Red Stars announced the signing of midfielder Nikki Stanton today, returning to the club after a season with Norwegian Club Klepp IL.  

“I am super excited to be a Red Star again,” Stanton said “I look forward to being back with my people and at such a professional club. Most of all, I’m excited to play for the best fans in the NWSL. Chicago, I have missed you.” 

Stanton began her National Women’s Soccer League career with Sky Blue FC during the 2014 season. She made 41 appearances for the club through four seasons. In January of 2018, Stanton was traded to Chicago. During her time at the Red Stars, she would make a career-high 20 appearances in the 2018 season and repeated the feat in the 2019 season. Stanton played a key role in helping the Red Stars reach consecutive NWSL semifinals appearances and the club’s first-ever NWSL Championship appearance in 2019. In total, Stanton has 81 appearances in her NWSL career and has amassed 4,343 minutes.  

Stanton also has experience playing overseas in both Europe and Australia. Following the NWSL Season, she was on loan at W-League side Perth Glory for the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 seasons. She would play every minute for Perth during her first two seasons on the team and helped the club reach the W-League Grand Final in 2017 and 2019. After the 2019 NWSL season, Stanton joined Klepp IL for the 2020 Toppserien season.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Nikki back to Chicago,” Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames said. “She is a talented player and a quality person who embodies the culture at our club. I’m excited to see her back with us for the upcoming season.”