NWSL: Chicago Stars FC Finalizes Roster Ahead of 2026 Season Opener
- Staff Writer
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
Chicago Stars FC have officially announced their roster for the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, featuring 28 players under contract, including 25 on the active roster as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Nine new players join the Stars ahead of the 2026 season: Michelle Alozie, Katie Atkinson, Tessa Dellarose, Emma Egizii, Elise Evans, Aaliyah Farmer, Ryan Gareis, Jordyn Huitema and Brianna Pinto. Three of the additions
— Alozie (Nigeria), Farmer (Mexico) and Huitema (Canada) — are regular members of their respective national teams. The club’s three rookies, Dellarose, Egizii and Evans, all come through the United States Youth National Team system.
Huitema arrives as one of the club’s most notable new signings, bringing experience as an Olympic Gold Medalist and NWSL Shield winner. Dellarose and Egizii also join the Stars following NCAA Championship-winning collegiate careers.
Chicago also secured the future of several key players ahead of the season. Bea Franklin, Julia Grosso, Jameese Joseph, Sam Staab and Taylor Wood each signed new multi-year contracts with the club. Team captain Alyssa Naeher returns for her 11th season in Chicago, while Nádia Gomes and Halle Mackiewicz rejoin the Stars on one-year deals.
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood began preseason on the 45-day injury list but returned to the active roster in late January. Although Wood remains under contract with Chicago through 2027 after re-signing with the club, she has been loaned to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 NWSL season.
Two players will not start the season on the active roster. Defender Natalia Kuikka suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear on the first day of preseason training and has been placed on the season-ending injury list. Forward Mallory Swanson remains on maternity leave following the birth of her first child in November 2025. The club continues to support both players as they work toward their return.
Chicago opens the 2026 season on the road March 15 against Angel City FC. The Stars will then return home for their home opener Sunday, March 22, at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium against the Kansas City Current. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
Chicago Stars FC 2026 Roster (as of March 12, 2026)
Goalkeepers (4):Katie Atkinson, Halle Mackiewicz, Alyssa Naeher, Mackenzie Wood (Loan)
Defenders (8):Michelle Alozie, Samantha Angel, Elise Evans, Aaliyah Farmer, Kathrin Hendrich (INTL), Natalia Kuikka (INTL, SEI), Sam Staab, Taylor Wood
Midfielders (8):Tessa Dellarose, Emma Egizii, Bea Franklin, Julia Grosso (INTL), Manaka Hayashi (INTL), Maitane (INTL), Leilanni Nesbeth, Brianna Pinto
Forwards (8):Jenna Bike, Ivonne Chacón (INTL), Ryan Gareis, Nádia Gomes, Jordyn Huitema (INTL), Micayla Johnson, Jameese Joseph, Mallory Swanson (ML)
Key:INTL – International PlayerLOAN – On LoanML – Maternity LeaveSEI – Season-Ending Injury List
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