When the Chicago Stars begin their 2026 season at Martin Stadium, they will miss their top goalscorer from last year. Ludmila, the Brazilian forward, has been traded to the San Diego Wave for an $800,000 transfer fee, potentially rising to $1 million with conditions. She has signed a three-year deal with San Diego.
This is a significant setback for Chicago, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. San Diego sees this transfer as essential, especially with the report that 2025 MVP finalist Delphine Cascarino is heading to London City Lionesses.
San Diego’s sporting director Camille Ashton commented, “Her versatility allows her to perform in various attacking roles, providing our coaches more strategic options. Her creativity and movement will strengthen our offense, and we are confident in her contribution to the team’s future success.”
Ludmila stood out in a tough season for Chicago, scoring 10 goals, including a hat trick on August 22 against North Carolina. She joined the Stars midway through the 2024 season.
Ludmila represents the talent and character that teams aspire to build around, and now Chicago must rely on other players as they move to a new stadium in a central area of Chicagoland.
Key players include USWNT rising star Jameese Joseph, who formed an exciting partnership with Ludmila. Superstar Mallory Swanson, who gave birth last fall, is also expected to return this year.
Chicago has experienced other significant departures this offseason, including Ally Schlegel moving to North Carolina.
San Diego has also faced important losses. This offseason, goalkeeper and captain Kaelin Sheridan’s contract was terminated, and she has signed with North Carolina. Hanna Lundkvist has joined Manchester United, and midfielder Savannah McCaskill has been traded to Gotham FC. Since coach Casey Stoney was let go in 2024, players like Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, and María Sánchez have also left San Diego.
The team, now coached by Jonas Eidevall, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 playoffs by Portland. New additions this offseason include several college players and goalkeeper Leah Freeman. As they head into the 2026 NWSL season, the Wave aims to build on their momentum from winning the inaugural North American World Sevens Football tournament in December.
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