Wisconsin Soccer Central

The Chicago Red Stars filled out their opening-day roster for the National Women's Soccer League season by signing two former University of Wisconsin standouts.

Goalkeeper Michele Dalton (UW) and forward Cara Walls (Wauwatosa East/UW) were officially announced as the final two players on the 20-woman roster on Thursday night – the league's other eight teams finalized their rosters last week, but the Red Stars had a little more time thanks to a Week 1 bye. Chicago announced 18 of its players last week.

Both players fared well during the team's preseason and are expected to contribute for the Red Stars, who will have several regulars missing for a significant period of time due to this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

The 26-year-old Dalton joins Chicago after playing in Europe the past two years.

She had five shutouts and a 1.58 goals-against average for UMF Selfoss in Iceland's top-level Úrvalsdeild in 2013, then posted seven clean sheets and a 1.19 goals-against average for Swedish second-division club Kvarnsvedens IK last year.

"We're very fortunate to have a player of Michele's caliber and experience," Red Stars keeper coach Trae Manny said of Dalton, who grew up in Mount Prospect, Ill. – about a half hour from the team's home field at Benedictine University in Lisle. "Her time abroad has enhanced her ability to lead teams, which will be huge for us down the stretch. She will an excellent replacement when (starter) Karina (LeBlanc) is away on international duty with Canada."

Walls, 21, was picked by Chicago in the third round of January's NWSL College Draft (No. 23 overall) after finishing her sterling career with the Badgers. She led UW in goals each of her four seasons and ranks second in program history with 42 goals.

"In Cara, we are adding a legitimate target striker to our front line," Red Stars coach Rory Dames said. "We expect her to be a physical presence for our other forwards to combine with. Cara's two goals in preseason show what she is capable of. If she can replicate that against professional players, she will be a very valuable piece for us."

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Coming home: UW's Dalton excited about opportunity with Red Stars
Walls shoots to score roster spot with Chicago Red Stars

On Twitter: @MicheleDalton18 @Caarraaaa

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