Alyssa Mautz took the pitch with the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday for the last time, announcing her retirement prior to kick off. 

The midfielder first debuted for Sky Blue FC in the Women’s Professional Soccer league in 2010, before joining the Red Stars in 2012, where she would spend the majority of her career. She’s become a staple for the team, managing 16 goals and eight assists in 142 regular-season appearances. 

“I just want to thank the Chicago Red Stars for allowing me to pursue my dream of playing professional soccer for the past 10 years. This club and community has felt like my second family/home,” said Mautz. 

“Thank you to my teammates that have made this the best team to play for and fight for on the field. Thank you to my coaches that believed in me to play at this level. Thank you Arnim and the ownership for believing in this league to make it possible for women to play professional soccer.”

Mautz formed part of the Red Stars since its inaugural NWSL season in 2013, standing as one of only six players to be rostered with the same club for all ten league seasons.  

“Mautz is the definition of Chicago Red Stars soccer. The culture and mindset she helped create at this club is one of the reasons for its continued success. There are not enough words to describe what she means to this club and to me personally,” said Michelle Lomnicki, Chicago Red Stars Associate General Manager and former teammate of Mautz. 

“I’m grateful for the five years spent playing alongside her as she’s always been an incredibly caring teammate, with an infectious personality that lights up the locker room. I’m excited for the next steps in her career.”

She departs as the team sits in third place of the NWSL table, helping the team reach 20 points in 13 games and a record of 5W-3L-5D.

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