Chicago – The Chicago Stars parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson on Wednesday following a series of disappointing results this season. However, the timeline for appointing his permanent successor remains uncertain.
Stars general manager Richard Feuz spoke to the media on Thursday, explaining the decision to relieve the former Jamaica head coach of his duties just six weeks into the 2025 season. The Stars had secured only one victory in six matches, placing them at the bottom of the league standings. This marked a disappointing start after Donaldson guided the team to an eighth-place finish and a playoff return in 2024.
The general manager expressed gratitude for Donaldson`s contributions but also highlighted a lack of tangible on-field improvement early in the season as a key factor.
A Decision Driven by Performance
Donaldson was initially brought in to bring stability during the club`s rebuilding phase. According to Feuz and internal club sources, he successfully fostered a positive atmosphere and instilled confidence within the locker room. Despite these cultural gains, the team`s recent struggles – including nine defeats in their last ten games stretching back to 2024 – ultimately prompted the front office to make a change.
Feuz acknowledged that Donaldson brought enthusiasm and vitality to the team. However, he stressed that professional soccer is fundamentally about performance. He referenced data indicating the club wasn`t showing sufficient progress in crucial areas such as ball possession and game control.
The Stars` offensive difficulties are highlighted by their mere three goals scored in six games this season. While Feuz admitted that injuries, including the absence of top scorer Mallory Swanson, played a part, he maintained that the current roster was capable of achieving more.
“We expected more progression from our team, in how we play, how we control the game, how we are more proactive with the ball,” he stated.
Interim Leadership and the Search for a New Coach
The general manager did not provide a specific timeframe for finding the next head coach, emphasizing the club`s commitment to taking the necessary time to identify the right candidate. He reaffirmed his confidence in the remaining coaching staff and the current squad, stating that the club would assess the team`s performance in the coming weeks before narrowing down the search direction.
In the interim, assistant coach Masaki Hemmi has been appointed as the temporary head coach while the club begins its search for a long-term replacement. Feuz praised Hemmi`s leadership and communication skills, describing him as a trusted presence within the locker room.
When asked about the desired attributes in the next head coach, Feuz stressed the importance of character and a clear playing philosophy.
He elaborated that the primary focus would be on hiring “a tremendous human being” who shares the club`s values, both on and off the pitch, and matches their ambition. A crucial aspect of the search will also be finding someone who can establish a distinct playing style and identity for the team, not just for the short term but for the next few years. The goal is to build a recognizable style of play that makes people say, “Okay, that`s the Stars playing,” whenever they watch the team.
The Reality of a Rebuild
Despite the coaching change, Feuz is not giving up on the current season and stands by his roster construction decisions, believing the club can still contend for a playoff spot. This marks the second year for both the new Stars ownership and the general manager, and Feuz reiterated the club`s long-term vision.
Feuz stated that the club aims for sustainability, stability, and cohesion in the mid to long term. Alongside this, they expect to see on-field progress and high standards every day in training to implement the desired methodology and principles over the coming months and years. He acknowledged that everyone, from management to players and staff, must take responsibility for the results. However, he pointed to data showing the team`s insufficient progression on the pitch over the past few months, not just since the season began, as the primary reason for the decision to make a change.
What Lies Ahead
For the Stars, charting a path forward partly involves finding a leader capable of maximizing the roster`s potential, implementing a winning strategy, and delivering results, both immediately and in the future.
Lorne Donaldson`s dismissal signifies a crucial moment for Chicago Stars FC. While his time helped reset some aspects of the club`s culture, his departure underscores persistent long-term challenges that rebranding alone cannot fix. Attracting top players, fostering a competitive environment, developing club-specific facilities, and, most importantly, consistently winning are the concrete indicators that will truly show the team has turned a corner. At present, the Stars are still a considerable distance from achieving these vital goals.
