As the trade deadline approached, the Chicago Red Stars finalized a big midseason deal with Utah and Houston that saw the departures of Taylor Comeau, Samantha Johnson, and Sofia Huerta.
While much of the talk surrounding the trade focused on draft picks and those who left Chicago, the arrival of Brooke Elby has been a bit lost in the shuffle. A versatile and tenacious midfielder/defender, Elby has made her impact as an outside back for the Boston Breakers and, most currently, Utah Royals.
With Arin Gilliland a backline staple, the return of Casey Short, and the rising profile of Sarah Gorden, Elby fits a need that a number of teams are looking for this season— depth.