A day after the Chicago Red Stars fell short in the NWSL title game, losing 2-1 to the Washington Spirit in overtime, head coach Rory Dames resigned.
"For 11 years, I have dedicated myself to help build the Chicago Red Stars into one of the top international clubs," Dames said in a statement. "Effective today, I'm refocusing my attention to my family and future endeavors, and I am resigning as coach of the Chicago Red Stars.
"I'd like to thank the Chicago Red Stars organization, the fans and the players who I have had the opportunity to work [within] their professional soccer careers. I look forward to watching the Chicago Red Stars and the NWSL continue to grow and evolve while supporting their players."
The club accepted his resignation and will work to immediately transition his responsibilities to the assistant coaches and others as appropriate while the search for a permanent head coach takes place.
Born and raised in Chicagoland, the Red Stars Head Coach played his high school soccer at St. Viator in Arlington Heights until graduating in 1991, according to the team's website. Next, he went on to star for St. Louis University, winning several conference championships and making an appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Dames then joined the Rockford Raptors for one professional season.
Dames also is the director of coaching and player development for Chicago's Eclipse Select Soccer Club, which consisted of three teams when the Illinois native took over in 1996. Currently, it has more than 50 male and female teams, with more than 750 players ranging in age from 8 to 19.