Red Stars introduce new jersey virtually

The Red Stars’ jersey reveal is a highly anticipated event, giving the organization an excellent reason to pull out all the stops.

The jersey event last year was blasted all over social media, with a dynamic video of teammates Julie Ertz, Sarah Gorden and Casey Short at different ‘‘L’’ stops throughout the city.

The latest jersey reveal was going to be no different. Director of marketing and communications Lindsay Goldner planned an event at Pinstripes in the Streeterville neighborhood complete with notable guests and a signature cocktail, but the coronavirus pandemic shut that down — not to mention postponing the start of the National Women’s Soccer League season, which was supposed to begin April 18.

On Thursday, the Red Stars revealed the jersey on a Zoom video conference. A thousand fans from across the country RSVP’d to attend the video conference, and even more tuned in to a live stream on YouTube. The number of fans able to stream the launch made it the largest jersey reveal in the Red Stars’ history.

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“I might have to have a conversation with Rory about being a field player because of how much I love this jersey,” Alyssa Naeher said during the conference.

“No, Alyssa you can’t play in the field,” Dames later replied during the Zoom call.

On the front of the jersey is a Chicago flag made up of city neighborhoods, and on the back is Chicago’s skyline designed the same way. The neighborhoods represent every fan that makes up the Red Stars’ base.

“I’m so honored to represent my friends and family who live in these neighborhoods across the city,” Sarah Gorden said.

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As of now, the jersey doesn’t have the sponsor’s name on the front. Magellan, however, still will be displayed on the back. Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler said he welcomes jersey sponsors and anticipates hearing from businesses once the season begins.

‘‘It’s really more important financially and more meaningful emotionally than it was before,’’ Goldner said. ‘‘It’s not about big names or a fancy location. Now it’s about a feel-good moment for a community in need and a singularly powerful way to show your support for a city and a team that you love.’’

Ertz, Tierna Davidson, Naeher and Morgan Brian participated in a question-and-answer session, and Whisler answered questions from fans via Zoom chat.

Merchandise is the only revenue stream for the Red Stars until the season begins. The NWSL released a statement saying the training moratorium for teams will remain in effect through at least May 15.