Re-tooled Red Stars look to WPS draft for more help

Chicago Red Stars coach Emma Hayes can't wait for Friday.

"Friday could be a good day or it could be a great day," Hayes said of the second Women's Professional Soccer draft.

Hayes knows who she wants with the fourth pick, and "I have a sneaky feeling they're going to end up in Chicago."

She also hopes Brazilian forward Cristiane returns to Chicago for a second season rather than going to another WPS team. Cristiane led the Red Stars with 7 goals last season, but she is out of contract.

"We still continue to work hard on signing Cristiane, and if that's decided before the draft it may change our decision," Hayes said of Cristiane's contract talks. "I think there will be some closure with her by the end of the week."

Most mock drafts have the Red Stars taking a North Carolina player, either defender Whitney Engen or forward Casey Noguiera. Hayes indicated a third player is possible also.

Hayes has retooled the Red Stars roster after a disappointing inaugural season. Midfielder Carli Lloyd is gone. Katie Chapman is coming here from England to replace Lloyd.

"She's always been the mainstay of the team I coached in England," Hayes said, "and I think she will be here. She's very underrated for what she does."

Oswego native Julianne Sitch will play for the Red Stars this season after spending last year with Sky Blue FC, and Hayes plans a utility role for Sitch.

Kate Markgraf returns from maternity leave to anchor the back line.

"She was sorely missed last year, and it feels like a new signing for us," Hayes said.

The Red Stars also signed Swedish forward Kosovare Asilani.