The Chicago Red Stars are locking in their core, signing Tierna Davidson, Casey Krueger, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Pugh to multi-year contracts.
All players will be with the club through 2023, with Naeher’s contract including a one-year option for 2024.
Previously, the players had all been on USWNT allocated player contracts and were paid by the USWNT. With the new contracts, they are contracted by the team and will have their salaries paid by the Red Stars.
“This remarkable group of players, Tierna, Casey, Alyssa and Mallory, are wonderful representatives of the club and have contributed significantly to the team’s success and winning culture during the past few years. We look forward to them and our core leading this team into the future. Signing these USWNT players is a testament to our plans for a steadily advancing professional environment. These new contracts are an essential part of ensuring that the Red Stars’ 2021 NWSL Championship match roster is built upon and continues to improve,” the club said in a statement.
The contract signings come after Chicago was one of the more active teams ahead of last Friday’s trade deadline. The team dealt three players to San Diego Wave FC in exchange for full protection in the expansion draft and allocation money. According to the team, those moves “prioritize and honor the wishes of select players” within the organization.
Sarah Gorden and Julie Ertz were also traded by the club on Thursday to Angel City in exchange for draft protection.
Chicago had a simultaneously successful and tumultuous 2021 season, reaching the NWSL Championship before head coach Rory Dames resigned ahead of emotional and verbal abuse allegations.
Davidson, Krueger and Naeher are all decorated USWNT members, having been part of the team that won bronze in Tokyo this past summer.
Pugh won the 2019 Women’s World Cup alongside Davidson and Naeher and is coming off of a stellar season with the Red Stars that saw her finish second in voting for league MVP.