The Chicago Red Stars announced the signing Thursday of defender Natalia Kuikka to a three-year contract.
The 28-year-old Finland international spent the past three NWSL seasons with the Portland Thorns.
“We’re very happy to welcome Natalia to the Red Stars,” Red Stars president Karen Leetzow said. “We are confident that her experience with Portland, in the Swedish first division and with Finland’s national team can help us re-establish a dominate backline.”
Kuikka won an NWSL championship with Portland in 2022 as well as the 2021 Challenge Cup and 2021 NWSL Shield. She contributed two goal and six assists in 78 matches (65 starts).
Internationally, Kuikka has earned 84 caps and has served as captain of the Finland national team. She is a three-time player of the year for the squad (2017, 2020 and 2021).
–Field Level Media