Last-place Chicago Stars fire coach Lorne Donaldson

Posted April 30, 2025 10:41 am

Daily Herald Report

Chicago Stars FC today announced that the club is parting ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson. First assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will serve as interim head coach while the team searches for a replacement.

The Stars are 1-5-0 this season and in last place in the 14-team NWSL. Star forward Mallory Swanson has yet to play this season.

"We are grateful to Lorne Donaldson for the culture, respect and sense of self-belief he helped build within our squad. We appreciate his work and wish him the best for the future," said Chicago Stars general manager Richard Feuz.

Donaldson joined the club in 2024, led the Stars to a 10-14-2 regular-season record and qualified the club for the 2024 NWSL playoffs after finishing at the bottom of the league table in 2023.

Hemmi will now serve as interim head coach, working closely with assistant coaches Ella Masar, Karina Báez and Brenton Saylor, as the club focuses on collective leadership and stability during this transitional period, and while the club searches for a new permanent head coach. Hemmi joined the club from United Soccer League club New Mexico United, where he served as director of player personnel and first assistant coach. In 2021 Hemmi joined Japanese side, INAC Kobe of the WE League, as associate head coach to help players prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

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