The Chicago Stars FC parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson on Wednesday due to the team`s disappointing performance this season. It remains uncertain when a permanent replacement will be named.
Chicago Stars general manager Richard Feuz spoke to the media on Thursday, explaining the decision to relieve former Jamaica head coach Lorne Donaldson of his duties only six weeks into the 2025 season. The Stars had secured just one win in six matches, leaving them at the bottom of the league table. This early poor form contrasts sharply with the 2024 season, when Donaldson led the team to an eighth-place finish and a playoff appearance.
Feuz expressed gratitude for Donaldson`s work but also highlighted the team`s lack of on-field development at the start of the current season.
Performance as the Primary Factor
Donaldson`s initial role was to stabilize the club during its rebuilding phase. According to Feuz and other club sources, he succeeded in creating a positive culture and boosting confidence in the locker room. Nevertheless, the team`s ongoing difficulties, including nine losses in their last ten matches dating back to the previous season, ultimately prompted the front office to make a change.
The general manager noted that Donaldson brought enthusiasm and a positive atmosphere to the club, but also stressed that professional soccer demands results. He indicated that data revealed the team wasn`t advancing sufficiently in vital areas like ball possession and controlling the game.
With only three goals scored in six games this season, the Stars` offensive struggles are evident. Feuz acknowledged that injuries, including the excused absence of their leading scorer Mallory Swanson, played a part. However, he insisted the current roster was capable of performing at a higher level.
He quoted, “We expected more progression on our team, regarding our style of play, how we control games, and our proactivity when in possession.”
Interim Leadership and the Search for a New Coach
The general manager did not set a specific deadline for finding a new coach, stating the club wants to invest the necessary time to identify the right person. He also reaffirmed his confidence in the remaining coaching staff and the current players. Feuz indicated the club will observe the team`s performance over the next few weeks before finalizing the direction of their search.
In the interim, assistant coach Masaki Hemmi has been appointed as the head coach while the club seeks a permanent replacement. Feuz praised Hemmi`s leadership and communication skills, calling him a respected presence in the locker room.
When questioned about the qualities the club is looking for in their next head coach, Feuz stressed the importance of character and a clear team identity.
“Our future focus will first and foremost be on bringing in a tremendous human being,” Feuz stated regarding the qualities sought in the next coach. “I believe that`s the club`s top priority. Naturally, we also seek someone with shared values, both on and off the pitch, who aligns with the club`s ambition.”
He continued, “Another part will be the playing style and the identity we want to establish for this team, not just in the short term, but over the next few years. We aim to build something with a clear identity, so when people watch our team play, they`ll instantly recognize the Stars due to our strong on-field identity.”
A Reality Check for the Rebuilding Stars
Despite the change in coaching staff, Feuz has not written off the current season. He defended his decisions in building the roster and believes the club can still vie for a playoff spot. Now in the second year under new ownership and with Feuz as general manager, he reiterated the club`s commitment to a longer-term vision.
Feuz stated, “Naturally, over the medium and long term, we aim for sustainability. We want to build through stability and cohesion, but we also expect to see progress on the pitch. We want to maintain the highest standards in training every day to ensure we develop and implement the methodology and principles we desire for this team over the next months and years.”
“We all must take ownership of these results, from management to players and staff,” he added. “But there`s also the data, which indicates that the team, not just since the season started but over the past several months, has not been progressing adequately on the field in our assessment, and that`s the reason for this decision.”
The Path Forward
For the Stars, charting a path forward involves more than simply finding a leader capable of getting the most from the current roster, implementing a winning strategy, and delivering results in the short and long term.
The dismissal of Lorne Donaldson represents a significant moment for the Chicago Stars FC. While his time did help reset some elements of the club`s culture, his departure highlights ongoing long-term challenges that cannot be fixed by mere rebranding. The genuine indicators of the team turning a corner – attracting star players, maintaining a competitive atmosphere, securing club-specific facilities, and consistently winning – remain distant objectives at this point.
Dominic Ashworth