Nicole: If you are a Chicago Stars fan, you know the feeling. It’s been a long, hard season. We’re sitting at 5-2-20. Sixteenth in the league. But before you click away to listen to the San Diego Wave celebration podcast, we have something different today. We are tearing down the entire roster picture under Vlatko Andonovski, and yes, we are answering your questions about whether Julia Grosso can save this team single-handedly.
Kevin: It is a mailbag episode, Nicole. That means no fluff. Just facts, tactical breakdowns, and the hard truths about what Andonovski is actually looking for in chief soccer officer mode. We’ve got big moves coming, and some painful ones too.
Nicole: That’s right. Here is what we are covering today. First, we are diving into the biggest headline of the week: Racheal Kundananji arriving from Bay FC for $700,000 in transfer funds. Is she the answer up front? Second, we are tackling the roster battles. Who stays, who goes? Specifically, we’re talking about Maitane again. And third, we’re doing a lightning round on Alyssa Naeher’s role in this new system. Let’s get into it.
Kevin: And remember, fans. If you listened to yesterday’s show, you heard us predict that Chicago would finish with zero to two additional wins. We stand by that. But the roster construction is changing right now. Let’s open the mail.
Nicole: Okay, first question comes from @StarsFan88. They ask: 'With Racheal Kundananji officially signed from Bay FC, how does her arrival change the offensive threat level compared to last week’s 4-0 loss to Angel City?' It’s a fair question because we just watched Maiara Niehues rack up five shots against us.
Kevin: Right. And Gisele Thompson had 43 accurate passes in that game. Angel City was controlling the tempo completely. Maitane only managed two total shots for Chicago. So, bringing in Kundananji isn’t just about adding a name; it’s about adding verticality. She’s a Zambia star. She knows how to stretch a defensive line. In our previous episodes, we talked about how static our build-up play was.
Nicole: Exactly. Static. And when you’re static, you can’t handle a high press. But Kevin, here’s the kicker. This is the first major move since Andonovski was hired as chief soccer officer. Does this signal that he’s ready to make immediate changes, or is this more about stabilizing the attack for next year?
Kevin: It’s stabilization, but with a sharp edge. $700,000 in intraleague transfer funds is not a small number. You don’t spend that unless you see a specific tactical fit. Kundananji offers width and finishing ability that Maitane has struggled to provide consistently. We mentioned in the last three days that Maitane might be released. This signing puts pressure on the current forward options to prove they can adapt to Andonovski’s faster transition game.
Nicole: So, if I’m reading between the lines, you’re saying the clock is ticking for anyone who can’t keep up with the pace. Next question, from Sarah in Chicago. She asks: 'We saw Julia Grosso with 31 accurate passes against Angel City. She was basically the only thing keeping possession alive. Will she be the centerpiece of Andonovski’s midfield rebuild?'
Kevin: Julia Grosso is elite. 31 accurate passes in a 4-0 defeat shows her technical quality, but it also highlights the lack of support around her. When you look at the defensive line and the pressing triggers, Grosso is often isolated. Andonovski needs a midfield that can break lines, not just recycle them. I think Grosso stays, obviously. She’s a proven commodity. But she needs partners who can run channels.
Nicole: So, Grosso is safe, but she needs help. That leads perfectly into our next segment where we talk about who else is safe, and who is on the chopping block. Before we go there, let me take a quick breath. We do this every single day. Fresh analysis, real stats, no filler. It takes a lot of work to put this together daily. If you love the show, please consider supporting us through the link in the episode description. It helps keep these insights free and consistent. Now, let’s talk roster battles.
Kevin: Let’s dive into the depth chart. Marcus in Denver sends in a tough one: 'You’ve predicted Maitane will be released multiple times now. With Kundananji here, is that decision already made? And what about the goalkeeping situation with Alyssa Naeher?'
Nicole: Oof. The Maitane question. We’ve said it before. Five losses in a row feels like a pattern, not a coincidence. Against Angel City, she couldn’t create anything. Two shots, zero goals. Against Gotham, same story. Against Washington Spirit, same story. Andonovski is known for demanding intensity. If Maitane doesn’t show that in training, she’s gone.
Kevin: I agree. The tactical mismatch is clear. Maitane prefers a slower, more controlled buildup. Andonovski wants vertical transitions. Those are fundamentally different philosophies. As for Alyssa Naeher, that’s a different story. She had two saves against Angel City. Not many chances to shine, but she kept it clean until the defensive line broke down. Naeher is a veteran leader. She stays.
Nicole: Naeher stays. But what about the rest of the backline? We saw Denver surge up the power rankings after beating Seattle. San Diego clinched their playoff spot. Meanwhile, we’re struggling to score. Do you think Andonovski brings in any more defenders, or is he trying to fix the attack first?
Kevin: He’s fixing the attack first. Why? Because defense is systemic. If you aren’t creating chances, the defense is under constant pressure. By bringing in Kundananji, you force opponents to respect the wide areas. That opens space for the fullbacks. It’s all connected. But I wouldn’t rule out a defensive addition later. The gap between 16th place and the playoff teams is huge.
Nicole: Huge. And that gap is exactly what @ChiTownSoccer is asking about next. 'With San Diego at number one and Gotham retaining the top spot, how far behind are the Stars really? Is there any hope for a late-season surge?'
Kevin: Hope is a dangerous word in sports analytics. We’ve predicted zero to two more wins. That’s realistic. San Diego is clinical. Gotham is structured. We are... rebuilding. A late-season surge requires consistency, and we haven’t seen that in months. The focus now has to shift to development and preparation for next season.
Nicole: Real talk. No sugarcoating. Okay, let’s lighten it up for Segment 3. We’re going to do a fun hypothetical and a lightning round. Ready, Kevin?
Kevin: Born ready. What’s the hypothetical?
Nicole: If Andonovski could draft one player from any other NWSL team to join the Stars tomorrow, who is it? And don’t say Kundananji, she’s already here.
Kevin: That’s tricky. You need someone who can press high. Someone who understands the defensive line. Maybe a midfielder from San Diego? Or a defender from Gotham? Actually, I’d go for a center-back from Seattle. They’ve been solid. Chicago needs structure at the back.
Nicole: Good pick. Structure. Okay, lightning round. Rapid fire. One word answers. Goalkeeper of the year? Best signing so far? Worst loss of the season?
Kevin: Naeher. Kundananji. Angel City.
Nicole: Sharp. Very sharp. Last question for you, Kevin. From @NWSLFanatic. 'What is the one thing you want to see from the Stars in their very next match, win or lose?'
Kevin: Intensity. High press. Win the second ball. If you don’t fight for every inch, you don’t deserve to wear the badge.
Nicole: Love that energy. Intensity. Fight. That’s what Chicago needs. We’ve covered the Kundananji signing, the likely release of Maitane, and the retention of Grosso and Naeher. We’ve looked at the standings, the records, and the future.
Kevin: And we’ve reminded everyone that the road to recovery starts with the basics. Build-up play. Transitions. Discipline.
Nicole: If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Share it with a friend who needs to hear the truth about the Stars. And remember, we are here every day to bring you the best sports coverage in America.
Kevin: Keep fighting, Chicago. We’ll see you next time.
Nicole: Beatline Podcast Network. Go Stars!