CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars announced today the roster ahead of the team’s opening match of the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season. On Saturday, April 15, Chicago will kick off the fifth NWSL season against the Houston Dash at 1:00 p.m. CT at BBVA Compass Stadium.

After back-to-back playoff experiences and a 9-5-6 finish in 2016, the Red Stars return 17 players from last year’s team, including four U.S. Women’s National Team players – Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Christen Press and Casey Short. After an outstanding first-year in the NWSL, Short earned Second XI honors and was allocated to the U.S. WNT after earning six caps during the offseason.

Following a strong preseason, Chicago has signed three new players to contracts ahead of the 2017 season, including two 2017 NWSL College Draft picks – Lauren Kaskie and Morgan Proffitt. In addition, the Red Stars have signed offseason acquisition Summer Green, who was previously with Seattle but sat out a year due to injury. Green made a strong offensive statement in preseason for Chicago, scoring two goals during intrasqaud scrimmages, a goal against Notre Dame and the game-winning assist in the Red Stars win over the Houston Dash.

With the signing of the three players, Chicago has waived Courtney Raetzman and Cara Walls. Raetzman, drafted in the 2016 NWSL Draft with the 31st overall pick, appeared in six games for Chicago and totaled 52 minutes. With two professional seasons for the Red Stars, Walls made 22 appearances and finished with two goals and one assist.

The Chicago Red Stars will return to Toyota Park for their home opener against FC Kansas City at 3 p.m. CT on April 22. Season tickets, flex packs and single game tickets for home games are on sale here or by calling 773-697-8699.

Chicago Red Stars

Rostered Players (20 of 20 spots filled):

Goalkeepers (2): Michele Dalton, Alyssa Naeher (FED-USA)

Defenders (6): Julie Ertz (FED-USA), Arin Gilliland, Sarah Gorden, Samantha Johnson, Katie Naughton, Casey Short (FED-USA)

Midfielders (8): Taylor Comeau, Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, Sofia Huerta, Lauren Kaskie*, Mary Luba, Alyssa Mautz, Morgan Proffitt*

Forwards (4): Summer Green*, Jen Hoy, Stephanie McCaffrey, Christen Press (FED-USA)

Federation Players (FED): 4

*Pending final approval by the league

Summer Green

Position: Forward

Nationality: USA

Date of Birth: May 25, 1995

Height: 5-6

Hometown: Milford, Michigan

Previous Club: Seattle Reign FC

Lauren Kaskie

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: USA

Date of Birth: September 18, 1995

Height: 5-5

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Previous Club: University of California, Los Angeles

Morgan Proffitt

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: USA

Date of Birth: August 22, 1994

Height: 5-10

Hometown: Columbus, Indiana

Previous Club: Marquette University