Aug 14, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson (9) advances the ball against the Seattle Reign FC during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
On Sunday, September 13, after a 1-1 draw with the Portland Thorns, the Chicago Stars were officially mathematically eliminated from the 2026 playoffs.
The Stars struggled through one of the team’s worst seasons in history throughout 2026. The team has spent basically the entire season in last place, with only five wins on the season (plus two draws and 17 losses). The team has gone through turbulence in the past few years, replacing coaches and searching for a permanent home stadium.
The team has good pieces — like US national team star Mallory Swanson and Canada national team standout Jordyn Huitema — but they were never quite able to put them together this year.
