Stars oust head coach Lorne Donaldson in his second season

Field Level Media|published: Wed 30th April, 13:17 2025

Mar 14, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Chicago Stars FC head coach Lorne Donaldson watches his team warm up prior to a game against the Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The Chicago Stars FC fired second-year head coach Lorne Donaldson after a 1-5-0 start.

Masaki Hemmi, the first assistant coach, was named interim head coach on Wednesday. Hemmi is the Stars' fifth head coach -- acting or permanent -- since Nov. 22. 2021.

"We are grateful to Lorne Donaldson for the culture, respect and sense of self-belief he helped build within our squad," said Richard Feuz, the Stars' general manager. "We appreciate his work and wish him the best for the future."

The Stars hired Donaldson, then 68, in December 2023, hoping the former head coach of the Jamaican Women's National Team could turn around a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 2021.

The team made the playoffs last season despite a 10-14-2 record, after finishing in last place in the National Women's Soccer League in 2023, and lost its opener to No. 1 seed Orlando Pride.

The Stars are headed in the opposite direction of the playoffs this season, standing in last place with just three points.

In their first six games, the Stars have scored three goals and given up 14. Their only victory came April 13 when they defeated Bay FC 2-1.

The Stars next play on the road Sunday against Gotham FC (3-2-2, 11 points).

The team will play their first game without Donaldson on the road Sunday against Gotham FC.

--Field Level Media