USWNT forward Mallory Pugh joins Chicago Red Stars in major NWSL trade

CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars have acquired forward Mallory Pugh and midfielder Sarah Killion Woldmoe from Sky Blue FC in exchange for the fourth and eighth overall selections in the 2021 NWSL Draft, a conditional first round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft and an international slot for 2021 and 2022.

“We are excited to welcome Mallory and Sarah to the Chicago Red Stars family,” said Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames. “They are both talented, experienced players of character. I’m confident they’ll fit in well with the group and will help our continued evolution.”

At 22 years old, Pugh has made 63 senior appearances for the United States Women’s National Team, with 13 goals and 17 assists for her country. She made her National Team debut at 17 years old In January of 2016 and became the youngest player to score for the U.S. in the Olympics a few months later. Pugh was also selected to the roster for the 2019 FIFA World Cup. She made three appearances and scored a goal en route to her first World Cup trophy. She joins Chicago teammates Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Morgan Gautrat and Tierna Davidson as members of the 2019 roster. Pugh has 41 NWSL appearances, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to play for the Chicago Red Stars,” said Pugh. “The team has so many great players, including some of my USWNT teammates, and I can’t wait to join them and work hard to help the club bring home a championship. A huge thanks to the ownership and Coach Rory Dames for making this happen. I’ll see you all in the Windy City soon.”

Woldmoe was selected second overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2015 NWSL Draft. She has made 116 NWSL appearances and has 11 goals and nine assists in her career. She played all six games for Sky Blue FC in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and played all four games during the NWSL Fall Series. She was a member of the U.S U-20 World Cup team that won the tournament along with Chicago teammates Julie Ertz, Morgan Gautrat, Vanessa DiBernardo and Kealia Watt.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Chicago Red Stars,” said Woldmoe. “I’ve always admired the style of soccer and world-class talent on this team. I cannot wait to be in a training environment with them every day. I want to thank Chicago for this opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know the city and fans. Let’s go Red Stars!”