It was a great regular season for the Chicago Red Stars as they achieved their highest ever finish in the NWSL. But they ended on a dissapointing note as they were thrashed by FC Kansas City in the semi-finals of the NWSL playoffs. Now after an offseason to re-gather themselves, the Red Stars are getting to rock and roll. They went out and got aggresive and got a solid goalkeeper in Alyssa Naeher after the retirement of Karina LeBlanc. But the Red Stars still need some help via the draft. They struck gold when they drafted Sofia Huerta and Danielle Colaprico and will look to have another solid year of drafting.
For the first time in their history, the Red Stars don't hold a first round pick but can they still have enough picks in the later rounds to add depth to the team. Here are three positions the Red Stars should look to target.
1. Centre-back alongside Julie Johnston
After her breakout performance in the World Cup, Julie Johnston had a solid season at centre-back for the Red Stars. He helped Chicago be one of the top defensive teams in the NWSL. Her fearless play helped Chicago to only allow 22 goals last season but she needs help alongside her. Chicago orginally traded for defender and USWNT teammate of Johnson, Whitney Engen but she was a key piece in the move for Naeher a few weeks back. Essentially Johnson had a solid partner in Engen for about a few weeks and now the Red Stars will look to the draft for some youth. Michelle Lomnicki is the pick to start alongside Johnston but look for Chicago to target some defenders in the draft.
2. Youth in the midfield
Last year the Red Stars had one of the deepest midfields in the NWSL. They had solid younger players in Vanessa DiBernado and Colaprico along with Lori Chalupny and Shannon Boxx. Now both Boxx and Chalupny have announced their retirements and the first two players are now the leaders. The Red Stars struck gold with both DiBernado and Colaprico in the draft and they can do it again. Look for Chicago to draft a quality holding midfielder that can sit in front of the defense.
3. Winger depth
Chicago are deep at the striker position but need help on the wings. Alyssa Mautz is probably the best winger on the team now and she needs some help. Chicago just signed Mary Luba from their reserve team and Colaprico is versatile to shift outside but depth is an issue.
Chicago has a good team of forwards but they will need good service to help them score goals. Right now, Press seems to be the only player who can create on her own. The rest need help but are getting better and it starts with the wings and the midfield.