Bridgeview, IL  – The Chicago Red Stars defender Kate Markgraf is pregnant with her second child and will miss the 2009 WPS season, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced today. Markgraf, a veteran of six world championships and the co-captain of the US Women’s National Team that won the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is due in late June.

“The Chicago Red Stars would like to extend their warmest congratulations to the Markgraf family,” said McDermott.  “This is wonderful and exciting news for Kate, Chris and Keegan, as well as for the entire Red Stars community.”

Markgraf, who has earned 198 caps for the United States, had figured to anchor the Red Stars defense in the inaugural season.  Now, instead of shutting down opposing attackers, she hopes to help open doors for the team as an ambassador in the community.

“Although I won’t be able to perform on the field this season,” explained Markgraf, “it is my intention to do everything I can off the field to help the Red Stars succeed.”

The loss of Markgraf may prompt Head Coach Emma Hayes to add some depth to the Chicago defense at the upcoming 2009 WPS Draft, being held this Friday, January 16^th at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention in St. Louis, Missouri. The Red Stars, who hold the second overall pick in the 10-round draft, will have the opportunity to add ten names to their existing roster of thirteen international and domestic players.

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 5^th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.  Following a second road game against the Washington Freedom on April 11^th, the Red Stars will play their home-opener at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois on Sunday April 19^th against Sky Blue FC of New Jersey. Season tickets, starting at only $99 for 10 regular season games plus two bonus games, are on sale now.  Call (866) WPS-2009 or log on to  www.chicagoredstars.com to reserve your seats.