Chicago Stars Forward Jordyn Huitema Sidelined by Torn ACL in Major Blow to Title Hopes

FolioPitch.com – 22 July 2026 | The Chicago Stars announce torn ACL for Jordyn Huitema, placing the 25-year-old Canadian international on the National Women’s Soccer League’s Season-Ending Injury List, the club confirmed Tuesday. Huitema, who joined the Stars via a trade from the Seattle Reign ahead of the 2026 NWSL season, sustained the injury during a match against Angel City FC on July 18. She was substituted off in the 28th minute after trying to chase down a through ball. The injury marks a devastating setback for both the player and her new club, as Huitema had quickly become a key offensive contributor.

Huitema will undergo surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament, though the club did not specify a date for the procedure. Following surgery, she will begin a lengthy recovery process. The Chicago Stars announced torn ACL for Jordyn Huitema in a press release, stating: “The Chicago Stars wish Jordyn a speedy recovery with full support from the club and look forward to her return to the pitch.” In a personal social media post, Huitema described the injury as “heartbreaking,” vowing to come back stronger.

Huitema began her professional career in France at age 18 with Paris Saint-Germain, where she made 45 appearances, scoring six goals and providing five assists. She won the Division 1 Féminine title in 2021 and the Coupe de France Féminine in 2022. After moving to the Seattle Reign in 2022, she started 58 of 70 matches, netting 13 goals and five assists, and helped the club claim the NWSL Shield in 2022. This season, she transferred to Chicago and had started all 12 of her appearances, scoring four goals before the injury.

The news of Chicago Stars announce torn ACL for Jordyn Huitema also reverberates across the Canadian women’s national team. Huitema has earned 98 caps for Canada, scoring 24 goals. She was part of the squad that won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and silver medals at the Concacaf W Championship in 2018 and 2022. She also featured in the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Her absence will be felt keenly in upcoming international fixtures, including the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

For the Chicago Stars, this injury deals a blow to their playoff aspirations. Huitema’s combination of pace, strength, and finishing ability had made her a focal point of the attack. Coach Lorne Donaldson will now need to reshuffle his forward line, likely relying on other attacking options such as Mallory Swanson and Penelope Hocking to fill the void. The team currently sits in fifth place in the NWSL standings, and losing a starting striker for the season could derail their momentum.

Huitema is expected to be sidelined for 9–12 months, a standard recovery timeline for ACL tears in elite soccer. The Chicago Stars announce torn ACL for Jordyn Huitema with the understanding that her return will be carefully managed. The club’s medical staff will oversee her rehabilitation, aiming for a full recovery in time for the 2027 preseason. While Huitema’s absence is a significant loss, the Stars remain optimistic about their depth and ability to compete.

In conclusion, the Chicago Stars announce torn ACL for Jordyn Huitema, marking a painful chapter in both the club’s season and the career of a talented forward. As Huitema begins her road to recovery, the soccer community rallies behind her, hoping to see her back on the pitch soon.