Lorne Donaldson Sacked by Chicago Stars FC

The Chicago Stars FC fired second-year head coach Lorne Donaldson, after one win and five defeats since the start of the National Women Soccer League season.

Masaki Hemmi, the first assistant coach, was named interim head coach on Wednesday.

Hemmi is the Stars’ fifth head coach – acting or permanent – since November 22, 2021.

The Stars hired Donaldson in December 2023, hoping the former head coach of the Jamaican Women’s National Team could turn around a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 2021.

The team made the playoffs last season despite an average record, after finishing in last place in the National Women’s Soccer League in 2023, and lost its opener to Number-1 seed Orlando Pride.

The Stars are headed in the opposite direction of the playoffs this season, standing in last place with just three points.

In their first six games, the Stars have scored three goals and given up 14.

Their only victory came April 13, when they defeated Bay FC 2-1.

The team will play their first game without Donaldson on the road against Gotham FC, on Sunday.