Chicago Stars axe Sjögren after woeful run

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Sjögren and Jacobson shown the door

Chicago Stars have pulled the trigger on a coaching overhaul, sacking head coach Martin Sjögren and assistant Anders Jacobson with immediate effect. The club confirmed the decision on Wednesday, drawing a line under one of the most dismal spells in the franchise's recent history.

A record that speaks for itself

Sjögren took charge ahead of the 2026 NWSL campaign but managed just four wins in 18 matches, leaving the Stars rooted to the bottom of the table with a 4-13-1 record. Jacobson, who was brought in alongside Sjögren after serving as interim boss from September 2025 through the end of that season, departs with him, as Equalizer Soccer reports.

Fresh faces in the dugout

Karina Báez - a three-season assistant with the Stars - steps up as interim head coach for the remainder of the campaign. Her CV carries serious pedigree: spells as assistant at Pachuca and Tigres in Liga MX Femenil, plus a stint as head coach of Pumas UNAM Femenil during 2021-22.

Lorne Donaldson, a former Stars head coach, returns as interim director of coaching to oversee all technical and analytical operations. Nicole Lukic, previously head coach of the now-defunct USL Super League side Spokane Zephyr FC and a director of talent identification for US women's national teams, joins as full-time assistant.

Can the new setup salvage the season?

With the Stars firmly anchored at the foot of the standings, the task facing Báez and her revamped staff is immense. But the blend of familiarity, international experience and fresh perspective could be exactly what a floundering squad needs.