LeiLanni Nesbeth has vowed to come back sharper after her debut season in the National Women’s Soccer League with the Chicago Red Stars.

The Bermuda midfielder is among 22 players retained by the club who finished eighth last season and reached the NWSL play-off quarter-finals.

“I am glad to be staying in Chicago and looking forward to the season ahead,” Nesbeth told The Royal Gazette.

“It was nice to get the first year out of the way, so now I know what to expect moving forward.

“I am looking forward to getting the work done in the off season to come back sharper and better prepared for the 2025 season.”

Nesbeth signed a three-year deal with Chicago after being selected by the franchise in the first round of the NWSL Draft.

The 23-year-old featured in 17 fixtures for Chicago last season, making her professional debut in a 2-1 win over Seattle Reign in March and scoring her only goal of the season in a 4-2 loss to Washington Spirit two months later.

Others retained by Chicago for next season include Portuguese forward Nádia Gomes and Chicago native Camryn Biegalski, while Spanish midfielder Maitane López and goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz both recently joined the club after agreeing to the terms of their contracts.

Those parting ways with the club include Morocco forward Rosella Ayane, who has completed her loan spell with Chicago and returned to parent club Tottenham Hotspur, while goalkeeper Sydney Schneider, defenders Tatumn Milazzo and Maximiliane Rall, and forward Ally Cook did not have their contracts extended.