Chicago, Ill. (Wednesday, February 17, 2010) - The Chicago Red Eleven announces the return of six players from last season. Rachael Sloan, Julia Victor, Keli McLaughlin, Krystin Miller, Fanta Cooper and Michele O’Brien will be coming back pending final approval from the United Soccer League.

“We are excited to have all of these players back for another season of Red Eleven W-League soccer,” stated head coach David Nikolic. “With their experience in the league, they will be able to help some of the new and younger players prepare quicker for the season ahead. I will look to these players to set examples with their work rate and effort every time out.”

Sloan, a sophomore at Marquette University, finished her collegiate season on a high note. She was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Northeast Region Second Team along with having been selected as Marquette’s first ever All-Big East First Team Selection. Sloan was the leading scorer for the Golden Eagles and had five game winning goals.

Along with a great season for the Golden Eagles, Sloan helped lead the Red Eleven’s Super-20 League to the finals during the 2009 season. She was named to the All-Tournament Team following a second-place finish.

“Rachel is a dynamic attacking player and will provide us with pace, skill and a great work ethic up front,” said Nikolic. “She is growing as a player and it will be exciting to watch this summer.”

Victor, one of Sloan’s teammates at Marquette University, completed her third season with the Golden Eagles, finishing as one of the leading scorers. Victor was tied for second on the team with three goals while also recording eight points. She was named to the Third Team All-Big East Conference in 2008.

During the 2009 season with the Red Eleven, Victor had two goals and two assists. "Julia is a creative attacking midfielder who is very technical and poised,” said Nikolic. “I look for her versatility to benefit our midfield as she could play either in the attacking central spot or out wide, depending on the formation."

Big Ten forward McLaughlin, the leading scorer for the Iowa Hawkeyes, recorded nine goals this season. She had six assists during her sophomore year and is tied for fifth in school history for total assists in a single season.

"Keli is an explosive forward who has the ability to change the game with her speed and work rate,” explained Nikolic. “She also can play more than one position in the attack and we plan to experiment with her in all forward areas."

Another returning player from the Big Ten is Miller from the University of Illinois. As a junior, Miller was second on the team for most minutes played. In 2008, Miller received the Big-Ten Sportsmanship award.

Miller competed in the USL’s Super-20 League for the Red Eleven last season. “Krystin is a dominating defender that returns to the Red Eleven after another season of success with the University of Illinois,” stated Nikolic. “She will provide us veteran leadership in the back and I look for her to get involved in the attack on set pieces.”

Having played for both Nikolic at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Assistant Coach Greg Muhr in the W-League, Cooper returns to the Red Eleven after a successful 2009 season. “I have known Fanta for almost 15 years,” said Nikolic. “She is a true professional and has a great work ethic. She will compete for time as an outside back this summer. She is physically strong and is very good in individual defending.”

Another player who will bring a lot of experience to the team is O’Brien. Currently an assistant coach at DePaul University, O’Brien has also been a member of Ireland’s National Team since 2003. Last season with the Red Eleven, O’Brien had six goals and three assists.

“With her experience with the Irish National Team, Michele will add depth to a front line that will be expected to produce in front of the goal,” said Nikolic. “Her composure and technical ability, leadership and positive attitude make Michele an asset to the team in games and training.”

The returning players will be ready to take on the 2010 season at home against the Buffalo Flash on May 29 at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.