The Chicago Red Stars are exempt from the upcoming NWSL expansion draft, that much is for certain. But what the most recent league runner-up is left with might be more of a question.
In a pair of trades, the Red Stars sent U.S. women's national team star defender Julie Ertz and NWSL Defender of the Year finalist Sarah Gorden to Angel City FC and forward Katie Johnson, forward Makenzy Doniak and forward Kelsey Turnbow to San Diego FC.
Separately, Chicago also sent midfielder Nikki Stanton to OL Reign.
Per the team's release, the Red Stars' deal with San Diego and Angel City provided them with roster protection in the upcoming Dec.