With Cristiane returning, Red Stars focus on draft

The Women's Professional Soccer draft started a day early for the Chicago Red Stars when they announced the re-signing of Brazilian forward Cristiane.

"I am really excited to be able to return to the Chicago Red Stars; they have treated me very well," Cristiane said. "I look forward to helping my team win the league this year. I had many options, but in the end I chose Chicago and the Red Stars because they are a great team, and it feels like home."

It was the best news coach Emma Hayes could hear.

Cristiane's signing gives the team more freedom to select the best player available today at No. 4 overall. Hayes knows who she wants with the fourth pick, and "I have a sneaky feeling they're going to end up in Chicago."

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.