For better or worse, the Chicago Red Stars have a very different look this year.
I include that “worse” bit as a caveat, but I don’t actually think any of the changes need to constitute a step backward. Change is good, even if the positives aren’t immediately obvious. It’s clear that Rory Dames is trying to make some needed adjustments to the squad, in terms of personnel and in tactical approach.
But while there have been some pronounced changes, they haven’t amounted to anything particularly drastic. We traded away one of the best strikers in the league and replaced her with… one of the other best strikers in the league.