The Chicago Stars returned from their summer break on Friday night, drawing 1-1 at home against Gotham FC in Ella Masar’s first league game in charge as the second interim head coach of the season. That draw was certain an improvement on the two games Masar took charge of at the Teal Rising Cup, where the Stars lost 1-0 to Corinthians and Palmeiras respectively (but if nobody saw the games, did they really happen?). Sam Angel and Kathrine Hendrich have arrived, but that’s been the extent of the transfer business for the Stars. If you’re looking for good news, at least Alyssa Naeher is back! Also, Utah Royals made a trade that should seal their spot as the worst team in 2025 despite the Stars doing their best (worst?) to challenge them for it.