Who Is the Stars’ Interim Head Coach, Ella Masar?
The Chicago Stars have a new manager – well, not really.
As the NWSL side readies for the second half of the league season, Ella Masar has taken over on an interim basis.
She’s the new face of the Stars coaching staff, but she’s not new to the team. Masar has served as an assistant coach since 2023, working under three different managers. This is her second stint at the helm, having replaced Chris Petrucelli for one game at the tail end of 2023.
There are plenty of similarities to that brief spell this time around. Just like last time, the Stars are in the midst of a poor season, sitting near the bottom of the table. Once again, Masar is said to be a temporary fix. A crucial difference from her last stint in charge, however, is the timing. This time, Masar took over the squad during the NWSL’s summer break.
She’s led the team through two friendly fixtures and weeks’ worth of training sessions. In a sense, this is the 39-year-old’s first real chance to prove herself as a head coach. Her Stars take on Gotham FC tonight at Seatgeek Stadium.
Masar’s Long-Time Connection to Chicago
A native of Urbana, Masar had a storied playing career that started in her hometown. She set multiple goalscoring records at Urbana High School before walking on to the women’s soccer team at the University of Illinois. Playing as a winger, Masar blossomed into a crucial starter for the Fighting Illini, picking up both national and conference honors.
While still in college, Masar spent her offseasons playing semi-pro soccer for various Chicago sides. It seemed inevitable that she would one day represent the city and the state professionally. Indeed, after time spent playing for the Washington Freedoms and abroad in Norway, she joined the Red Stars in 2009. In two seasons with the club, then a member of WPS, Masar played 38 matches and scored eight goals.
Masar’s career took her around the world and back to the Windy City for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. She played a further 20 matches in a Red Stars kit, scoring three goals. After leaving Chicago for the second time, Masar played for fellow NWSL side Houston Dash, and later enjoyed stints with Rosengard and Wolfsburg overseas. She was at her most prolific for Rosengard, scoring 26 times in 39 league appearances for the Swedish giants.
Masar’s playing career came to an end in 2019, and she transitioned to coaching three years later. She served as an assistant for the expansion side, Kansas City Current, starting in 2022, helping them reach the NWSL Championship. Masar joined the Red Stars for a third time the following year, this time as a coach.
What to Expect from Masar as Manager
It’s abundantly clear that Masar won’t see out the rest of the season as head coach, unless something drastically derails the Stars’ plans.
She will be in charge of the match against Gotham at the very least, however, as Chicago seeks a second win of the campaign.
“I believe in this team and I believe in this roster,” Masar said in her pre-match press conference. “We haven’t been consistent as coaches – I’m the third one – but [the players] have been.” She believes that her time spent with the team in an assistant’s capacity will help. “I think I have a little bit of a foundation because I’ve been here three years.”
The interim manager, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in sports science, is satisfied with how her side performed in the midseason break, particularly in training.
“I would not have changed one thing to get us to where we are today, not one thing,” Masar stated.
Serving as a temporary replacement is a unique position for a tactician to find themselves in, but Masar is staying grounded and is well aware of the situation.
“We know a new coach is coming in, and I’m so happy for whoever’s coming in because I know it will be the right decision,” she said. As for those currently on staff, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. “I really believe in these humans that are here… I think we can get better 100%.”
The players reciprocate Masar’s faith and seem to be responding well to her coaching.
“It’s so good to have a coach that has been a professional player in our league,” Stars midfielder Maitane told the media. “You’re learning every time she speaks.”
All Eyes on Tonight
Tonight’s game is a fresh start, not just for Masar and her players, but for the club and its fanbase as a whole. 12 points beneath the playoff line, the Stars look to cast aside their first-half demons and earn some precious points.
Kickoff for the match against Gotham is scheduled for 7 pm.
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