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Chicago Stars Fire Head Coach Lorne Donaldson After Disastrous Start

Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi steps in as interim head coach following the Stars' 1-5 record in the 2025 season.

Apr 18, 2025; Sandy, Utah, USA; Chicago Stars FC head coach Lorne Donaldson on the sideline against the Utah Royals during the second half at America First Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images/File Photo
BRIDGEVIEW, ILLINOIS – APRIL 26: Lorne Donaldson, Head Coach of Chicago Stars FC, reacts during the NWSL match between Chicago Stars and San Diego Wave at SeatGeek Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/NWSL via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Chicago Stars FC dismissed head coach Lorne Donaldson on April 30, 2025, after losing five of their first six games this season.
  • Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi has been named interim head coach as the team searches for a permanent replacement.
  • Donaldson, hired in December 2023, led the Stars to the playoffs in 2024 following a last-place finish in 2023 but struggled to replicate success this year.
  • The Stars have scored just three goals while conceding 14 in their first six games, leaving them at the bottom of the NWSL standings.
  • This marks the fifth coaching change for the Stars since November 2021, highlighting ongoing challenges in stabilizing the team under new ownership.