CHICAGO, IL. (Dec. 6, 2021) — United States Women's National Team (USWNT) players Tierna Davidson, Casey Krueger, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Pugh have signed multi-year contracts with the Chicago Red Stars. All players will be part of the club's roster through 2023, with a one-year option for 2024 included in Naeher's contract. The players were previously on USWNT allocated player contracts to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), but will now be contracted by the Chicago Red Stars.
"This remarkable group of players, Tierna, Casey, Alyssa and Mallory, are wonderful representatives of the club and have contributed significantly to the team's success and winning culture during the past few years. We look forward to them and our core leading this team into the future. Signing these USWNT players is a testament to our plans for a steadily advancing professional environment. These new contracts are an essential part of ensuring that the Red Stars' 2021 NWSL Championship match roster is built upon and continues to improve," said the Chicago Red Stars.
Davidson was drafted by the Red Stars with the first overall pick in the 2019 National Women's Soccer League draft from Stanford University. Over her three seasons with the Red Stars, Davidson has helped the team reach three consecutive championship games — the 2019 NWSL Championship, the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship and the 2021 NWSL Championship. The defender was part of the USWNT that medaled in the summer Olympics in Tokyo this year and was part of the 2019 USWNT that won the Women's World Cup.
"I am excited to sign a new contract with the Red Stars, ensuring that I get to keep playing for the city I love in front of our loyal and dedicated fan base," said Davidson. "My commitment to help build a successful and proud future for our club is as strong as ever."
Kreuger has been a cornerstone of the Red Stars' backline since 2015, earning NWSL Best XI, Second XI and multiple Team of the Month honors. The Naperville native joined Davidson and Naeher in Tokyo for the Olympics earlier this year, helping the USWNT medal in the summer games.
"I am thrilled to be able to continue to play for my hometown Chicago Red Stars. Chicago brought me home in 2015 and this is where I want to stay. I look forward to growing with this club, continuing winning traditions and bringing this city a championship #MKOT."
Naeher has been a pillar for the Red Stars in goal since joining the club in 2016. In addition to multiple individual awards, including NWSL Player of the Month and Save of the Week honors, Naeher helped lead the team to the 2019 NWSL Championship match and the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship match. The keeper was part of the 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cup championship teams and part of the USWNT that medaled in the Tokyo Olympics earlier this year.
"I look forward to continuing my career here in Chicago, representing this great city," said Naeher.
Pugh was a revelation in her first year with the club and has returned to the form that saw her earn a call up to the USWNT at 17 years old, making her the youngest player to debut for the team in the previous 11 years. The young forward was voted the club's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and finished second in voting for the league MVP award. Pugh ended the 2021 regular season with four goals and scored the game-winning goal in the team's quarterfinals matchup against Gotham FC. She also was part the 2019 Women's World Cup championship team along with Davidson and Naeher.
"I am so excited to sign with the Red Stars for next season. This club has helped me grow as a player," said Pugh. "I know the end of the season was difficult, but I look forward to helping the Red Stars start a new chapter as we strive to be one of the best clubs in the world, on and off the pitch."
