NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Red Stars Announce 18-Player Roster for 2015 NWSL Season

Published on April 6, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO, Illinois - The Chicago Red Stars today announced an 18-player roster for the 2015 NWSL campaign. Two additional signings by the club are currently pending and are expected to be announced later this week. While the league kicks off this coming weekend, the Red Stars have a bye and open their season on April 18 with a home match against current Shield holders Seattle Reign FC.

The Red Stars squad features a total of eight internationals likely to participate in this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. In addition to club icon Lori Chalupny, rising stars Christen Press and Julie Johnston, and Shannon Boxx in the American camp, Chicago also boast three Canadian standouts in goalkeeping legend Karina LeBlanc, fellow Olympic bronze medalist Melissa Tancredi and striker Adriana Leon, as well as New Zealand captain Abby Erceg.

Also on the Red Stars roster are three of the club's 2015 NWSL College Draft picks in defender Arin Gilliland (Kentucky), U-23 U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Danielle Colaprico (Virginia) and striker Sofia Huerta (Santa Clara), who were announced as the club's latest signings earlier today. Returning players include Canada international Rachel Quon, fellow defender Michele Lomnicki, midfielders Vanessa DiBernardo and Alyssa Mautz, and forward Jen Hoy.

Forward Zakiya Bywaters, who recently underwent successful hip surgery to repair a calcified labral tear, has been placed on season-ending injury list. She will be out for the 2015 campaign and therefore will not count against the official 20-player roster. Forward Hayley Brock has opted against returning this year in order to focus on completing her academic studies.

The 2015 Red Stars season kicks off on April 18 with the team's big home opener against Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and current NWSL Shield holders Seattle Reign FC. Single-game and season tickets may be purchased by visiting www.chicagoredstars.com or by calling 773-698-6001.

2015 Chicago Red Stars Roster *

Name Position Date of birth Nationality Hometown

Karina LeBlanc Goalkeeper March 30, 1980 Canada Maple Ridge, BC

Abby Erceg Defender November 20, 1989 New Zealand Whangarei, New Zealand

Arin Gilliland Defender December 25, 1992 USA Wilmore, KY

Taryn Hemmings Defender April 25, 1986 USA Greeley, CO

Samantha Johnson Defender June 10, 1991 USA Palmdale, CA

Julie Johnston Defender April 6, 1992 USA Mesa, AZ

Michelle Lomnicki Defender May 3, 1987 USA Aurora, CO

Rachel Quon Defender May 21, 1991 Canada Lake Forest, IL

Shannon Boxx Midfielder June 29, 1977 USA Torrance, CA

Zakiya Bywaters ** Midfielder July 24, 1991 USA Las Vegas, NV

Lori Chalupny Midfielder January 29, 1984 USA St. Louis, MO

Vanessa DiBernardo Midfielder May 15, 1992 USA Naperville, IL

Danielle Colaprico Midfielder-Forward May 6, 1993 USA Freehold, NJ

Alyssa Mautz Midfielder-Forward July 29, 1989 USA St. Louis, MO

Jen Hoy Forward January 18, 1991 USA Sellersville, PA

Sofia Huerta Forward December 14, 1992 USA Boise, ID

Adriana Leon Forward October 2, 1992 Canada King City, ON

Christen Press Forward December 29, 1988 USA Palos Verdes, CA

Melissa Tancredi Forward December 27, 1981 Canada Hamilton, ON

* Additional signings pending ** On season-ending injury list due to calcified labral tear (hip surgery successfully performed)

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