Sources have indicated that Charlie Naimo, head coach of defending W-League Champion Pali Blues and former general manager of WPS’ Los Angeles Sol, is joining the Chicago Red Stars.
Although the head coach position is currently vacant with the recent dismissal of Emma Hayes, word is that his role would not be as head coach but something of a broader position. The position would reportedly not affect Naimo’s role with Pali.
In 2009 with Los Angeles, Naimo helped oversee a team that went 12-3-5 in the regular season before falling to Sky Blue FC in the 2009 WPS Championship. The Pali Blues are the two-time defending W-League champions and have not lost a game in franchise history. Pali kicks off its W-League season Saturday, June 5 at home against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.
Chicago is currently 2-4-1 and is level on points with the Boston Breakers with seven, which puts the Red Stars and Breakers in a tie for fifth place in WPS. General Manager Marcia McDermott filled in as acting head coach Saturday, although the search for a coach has been in place for almost a week. Check back to The Equalizer for more details as the story develops.
