When a group of investors led by Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts bought the Red Stars in September, some fans were optimistic that new ownership could help turn the franchise around — no small task after the team became emblematic of some of the worst problems in woman’s soccer under former owner Arnim Whisler and deposed coach Rory Dames.
Saturday night’s match against Bay FC at Wrigley Field could show they’re back on the right path.
“Laura’s come in and she’s worked hard — she’s tried to make a lot of changes, meaningful changes,” goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher said. “Some things are seen. Some things are going to take a lot more time. It’s a big project, the overhaul and everything else.”
Thanks to Ricketts, the Red Stars now have access to funding they didn’t have in the past. And they’re also able to synergize with the Cubs to raise their profile — a link that goes beyond star forward Mallory Swanson being married to Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson.
The bond will be strengthened Saturday, albeit ironically. As Naeher noted, women’s soccer players have fought to avoid playing on baseball fields that usually offer narrow soccer pitches.
Of course, this match is a little different. While declining to disclose the number of tickets sold, a Red Stars spokesperson said there has been a “surge” in sales the last few days. The team is trying to break the NWSL’s attendance record of 34,130, set last October by OL Reign — now Seattle Reign FC — for Megan Rapinoe’s farewell match.
“This is a very unique opportunity for players and coaches and the Red Stars and the city of Chicago to have a really unique opportunity for history,” Naeher said.
Playing within Chicago proper is rare in itself for the Bridgeview-based Red Stars. In 2022, as part of a doubleheader with the Fire, they faced San Diego Wave FC at Soldier Field. Other than that, they’ve been a suburban team, playing at SeatGeek Stadium since 2016 after previous stops in Lisle, River Forest and Evanston.
Now there’s speculation they’re looking to leave Bridgeview and play in the city. Although Naeher and coach Lorne Donaldson kicked those questions upstairs, both are intrigued about playing more in Chicago.
“It would help the attendance for sure,” Donaldson said. “That’s what the game is all about — people coming to the game, especially young people coming from wherever they come from, church or a bar and come to a game and enjoy themselves. It would be great.”
With the match at Wrigley, the Red Stars hope they can join a wave of momentum in women’s sports in which the Sky have become a bigger part of the local and national discourse. Naeher is confident that can happen under Ricketts.
“She’s committed to making this one of the best clubs in the league and in the world,” Naeher said.
