BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer have introduced Omid Namazi as its new head coach, according to an organizational press release. Namazi is now the team's second full-time head coach, succeeding Emma Hayes, who coached during Chicago's inaugural 2009 season and the first six WPS matches of 2010.
Red Stars President and General Manager Marcia McDermott, who coached the team for one match May 29a 1-0 win over first-place FC Gold Pridepassed the torch to Namazi June 6, when Chicago hosted the Atlanta Beat. ( The new-look Stars played the Beat to a 0-0 draw, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Red Stars ( 2-4-2 ) have scored four times so far this season. )
Namazi last coached in the women's game when he was the head coach of the San Diego Spirit of the Women's United Soccer Association. In his 2003 season with the Spirit, he led the squad to its only postseason appearance.
"Omid established himself as a winner in the WUSA with San Diego, and he has demonstrated a winning track record throughout his coaching tenure," McDermott said. "We are committed to making a run for the playoffs this season. The team has been very professional and is in a good position to push forward."
Namazi hopes to turn around Chicago's season by bringing cohesiveness and a winning demeanor to the team.
"This is a talented group, but talent alone is not always going to be enough," Namazi said. "There need to be other elements to the teamgood leadership, commitment to winning and commitment to doing everything in order to get the W's. And I think that's an area where I can bring some leadership to the team."