By Lesley Ryder
The Stars announced this morning that they are parting ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson.
"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 in the team’s press release. Donaldson joined the club ahead of the 2024 season and was charged with guiding the club through its first season under new ownership, and to help change the club’s culture. He led Chicago to a 10-2-14 record, and the team never once fell below playoff position on the table.
The 2025 season hasn’t held the same promise for the Stars. The club has just one win in six games, and currently sit in last place on the league table.
After Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the San Diego Wave, Lorne spoke presciently to the media. “My job is to win, and if you don’t win, well, things happen.”
Donaldson expressed his belief earlier in the season that he was not able to make the changes he wanted to make to the squad in the offseason. “Hopefully we can make it happen in the future. We need at least a couple more [players].”
On opening day of preseason, Donaldson hoped that the club would continue to sign players through the end of the first transfer window of the season. “The objective right now is to get the ball, and score more goals. “We're still looking at signing players still, so we're not done yet.”
General Manager Richard Feuz spoke after Donaldson. When asked if the Stars were still looking for players, he started his response with a joke: “Have you ever experienced one head coach to stand up here without asking for players?” He added “I think that's normal. We know the market. And at the end of March—we also know there's a market this summer. At the end of the day, we're not pressed. It's all about negotiation. All about discussing what is the best for the team.”
First assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will take over as interim coach while the team searches for a replacement. Hemmi joined the club from United Soccer League club, New Mexico United, where he served as director of player personnel and first assistant coach.