Chicago Stars FC parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson on Wednesday, citing the team`s poor performance this season. It remains uncertain when a permanent replacement will be appointed.
General Manager Richard Feuz addressed the media on Thursday to elaborate on the decision to dismiss the former Jamaica national team coach, who was relieved of his duties just six weeks into the 2025 season. The Stars managed only one victory in six matches, currently sitting in last place in the league standings. This start was particularly disappointing, especially considering Donaldson led the team to an eighth-place finish and a playoff appearance in 2024.
Feuz expressed gratitude for Donaldson`s contributions but also highlighted the team`s lack of on-field progression at the beginning of the season.
Performance-Driven Decision
Donaldson was initially brought in to stabilize the club during its rebuilding phase. According to Feuz and other club sources, he successfully fostered a positive culture and increased confidence within the locker room. However, the team`s recent struggles, including nine losses in their last ten matches dating back to the end of 2024, prompted the front office to make a coaching change.
The general manager acknowledged that Donaldson brought enthusiasm and positive energy to the club. However, he emphasized that professional soccer ultimately requires results, and data indicated the team was not showing sufficient progress in crucial areas such as possession and game control.
The Stars have scored only three goals in six matches this season, a statistic that clearly points to the team`s offensive difficulties. Feuz conceded that injuries, including the authorized absence of top scorer Mallory Swanson, played a role, but he insisted the current roster possessed greater potential.
“We anticipated more progress in our team`s playstyle, in controlling matches, and in being more proactive with the ball,” he stated.
Interim Leadership and Coaching Search
Feuz did not provide a specific timeframe for finding a new coach, indicating the club plans to take the necessary time to identify the ideal candidate. He also reiterated his support for the remaining coaching staff and the current squad. He mentioned the club would evaluate the team`s performance in the coming weeks before taking specific directions in their search.
In the meantime, assistant coach Masaki Hemmi has been named interim head coach while the search for a permanent manager is underway. Feuz praised Hemmi`s leadership and communication skills, describing him as a trusted figure in the locker room.
When asked about the desired qualities in the next head coach, Feuz highlighted character and a distinct playing philosophy.
“Moving forward, our primary focus will be on finding an exceptional individual… I believe that will be the club`s top priority. Naturally, we seek someone who shares our values, both on and off the field, and matches the club`s ambition,” Feuz explained regarding the qualities he will seek in the next Stars coach.
“Another aspect will be the playing style and identity we aim to establish for this team, not just in the coming months but for the next few years. We want to build something with a clear identity, so that when people watch our team play, they can immediately recognize it as the Stars, because we will have a strong presence on the field.”
Rebuild Reality Check
Despite the coaching change, Feuz hasn`t given up on the current season. He stands by his roster decisions and believes the team can still contend for a playoff spot. As this is the second year for both the new Stars ownership and the general manager, he reiterated the club`s long-term strategic vision.
“Naturally, our mid- and long-term goal is sustainability. We aim to build through stability and team cohesion. However, we also need to see progress on the field and maintain the highest standards every day in training to ensure we develop the methodology and principles we envision for this team over the coming months and years,” Feuz stated.
“We all, from management to players and staff, must take responsibility for these results… but there`s also the data side, which indicates that the team, not just since the start of the season but for the past few months, hasn`t been progressing sufficiently on the field, in our opinion, and that`s why we made this decision.”
What`s Next
For the Stars, a crucial step forward is finding a leader capable of maximizing the roster`s potential, implementing a winning strategy, and delivering results now and in the future.
Donaldson`s dismissal is a significant moment for Chicago Stars FC. While his time helped improve the club`s culture, his departure highlights ongoing long-term challenges that simple rebranding won`t solve. Attracting top talent, fostering a competitive environment, developing dedicated club facilities, and consistently winning are the true measures of whether the team has finally turned a corner – goals they currently appear far from achieving.
Benedict Kingsley