Chicago Stars part ways with coach Martin Sjögren, name Karina Báez interim head coach
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 7:16 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
The Chicago Stars have announced a coaching change, parting ways with head coach Martin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson. Karina Báez, who has served as an assistant with the team for three seasons, steps in as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. Lorne Donaldson will also return to the club in a new role as interim director of coaching. This shift follows a challenging start to the season for the Stars, prompting the organization to restructure its coaching staff. President Karen Leetzow expressed confidence in Báez and Donaldson as they lead the team through this transition period.
- •Chicago Stars appointed Karina Báez as interim head coach on August 12.
- •Martin Sjögren and Anders Jacobson are no longer with the team.
- •Báez has prior coaching experience in Liga MX Femenil.
- •Lorne Donaldson returns to the club as interim director of coaching.
- •The Stars are seeking improvements in their season performance.
- 7:16 PMYahoo Sports — Chicago Stars fire Martin Sjögren, name Karina Báez interim head coach
- 6:14 PMYahoo Sports — Chicago Stars and head coach Martin Sjögren part ways, appoint assistant coach Karina Báez as interim head coach
"The Chicago Stars fired head coach Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson, the club announced Wednesday. The Stars are in last place in the NWSL, with their last win on July 5 against the Utah Royals. Assistant coach Karina Báez will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the regular season. Sjögren departs the Stars with a 4-1-13 record and a -24 goal differential, with the club in last place. The Stars also brought back former head coach Lorne Donaldson as the interim dire
"After a tumultuous first half of the season for the Chicago Stars, the club has decided to make some changes in the dugout.Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson are out and Karina Báez is interim. And Lorne Donaldson is returning in a new role.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 7:16 PMChicago Stars fire Martin Sjögren, name Karina Báez interim head coach
The Chicago Stars fired head coach Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson, the club announced Wednesday. The Stars are in last place in the NWSL, with their last win on July 5 against the Utah Royals. Assistant coach Karina Báez will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the regular season. Sjögren departs the Stars with a 4-1-13 record and a -24 goal differential, with the club in last place. The Stars also brought back former head coach Lorne Donaldson as the interim dire
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 6:14 PMChicago Stars and head coach Martin Sjögren part ways, appoint assistant coach Karina Báez as interim head coach
After a tumultuous first half of the season for the Chicago Stars, the club has decided to make some changes in the dugout.Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson are out and Karina Báez is interim. And Lorne Donaldson is returning in a new role.
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