After it seemed like the Chicago Red Stars’ season was already over, a late-night bombshell provided one last unexpected twist. Head coach Rory Dames, who has led the team since before the team even entered the NWSL, suddenly stepped down, with the front office releasing a statement just before midnight on Sunday. The Red Stars will begin their search for a new head coach.
The resignation will come as a surprise to fans, as Dames has been almost synonymous with the Chicago Red Stars for the last decade. He took over the team ahead of the 2011 season in the WPSL, where the Red Stars spent two seasons ahead of the creation of the NWSL.