The Red Stars undergo several squad changes
Kosovare Asllani leaves the Red Stars to return to Sweden.
In the last week the Chicago Red Stars have undergone several changes, some players have said goodbye to Chicago, while new players are being welcomed with open arms. A question to think about with all these changes taken place is: are these changes going to help ensure a spot for the Red Stars (currently fourth in the league) a spot in the playoffs?
- The Red Stars acquired the rights for Faith Ikidi a Nigerian defender. Ikidi is currently playing for Linkoping FC in Sweden, though the Washington Freedom previously owned the rights to her. I personally don't know http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=102186445515much about Ikidi, but I'm excited for the addition of some African flare to the squad. From what I've read Omid Namazi hopes that Ikidi adds depth to our back line in the future. If she's here before the season ends there's a possibility that we'll see her defensive skills help keep the Stars' opponents from putting the ball in the back of the net.
- Anita Asante is onto her third team for the 2010 WPS season, fourth in her WPS career. Last year Asante played on Sky Blue FC's championship team, this year she started off the season on St. Louis Athletica's roster, but the Red Stars acquired her when Athletica left her as a free agent after their demise. Asante had the choice to either stay with the Red Stars or move on to the Freedom, who inquired about her during the the Ikidi rights trade. I don't view this as a positive change or a negative one or a change that will affect our run for a spot in the playoffs. I am confident in the pairing of Kate Markgraf and Whitney Engen at center back for Chicago. Plus, we have the addition of Ikidi to the team. If Asante is able to get more playing time with the Freedom then by all means she should go play. As a soccer player, I know I'd want to.
- The loss that will impact the Red Stars the most is that of Kosovare Asllani. The Red Stars and Asllani mutually agreed to her release, as Asllani requested to return home to Sweden to play in the Damallsvenskan league for Linkoping FC and prepare for the 2011 Women's World Cup. Asllani is one of the most confident players I've ever watched. Before arriving in Chicago this year she requested without hesitation that she wear the #10 for Chicago. She is fearless and dynamic - often dribbling at defenders and throwing her body at any ball that crossed her way. Asllani will surely be missed.
- While the loss of Asllani is unfortunate, the Red Stars quickly signed Spanish international Veronica Boquete, a forward for the W-League Championship Team the Buffalo Flash. Boquete scored two goals in the W-League Championship match including the game winner against the Vancouver Whitecaps as the game ended with a score of 3-1. Boquete's outstanding play in the Championship earned her the title of Most Valuable Player. Boquete made her debut with the Red Stars on Saturday, August 7th against FC Gold Pride when she subbed in for Cristiane in the 80th minute of play. If Boquette can bring a similar energy to the field that the Stars lost in Asllani then she can without a doubt make an impact in Chicago's run for the playoffs.
All the changes aside, the Red Stars need to bring home 3 points when they play the second-place Independence on Wednesday night at Toyota Park. Chicago is 1-2 games ahead of the rest of the teams in the league, so they'll need as many points as possible to hold onto their fourth-place position.
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