Nicole: The final whistle is approaching, but the real drama at Chicago Stars FC isn't on the pitch—it’s in the locker room. With a 5-2-22 record and eyes on the 2031 World Cup bid, who stays and who goes? We’re breaking down the roster battles that will define this franchise’s future.
Kevin: It’s a tense time for the squad. From the tactical gaps we saw against Angel City to the looming question of Maitane’s status, there’s a lot riding on these last few weeks of the season.
Nicole: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Nicole, and this is your daily dose of NWSL insight. Joining me as always is our lead analyst, Kevin. Kevin, it’s October 29th, 2026, and we are live.
Kevin: Good evening, Nicole. It’s been a long season for the Stars, sitting 16th in the NWSL standings. But today, we’re looking past the table and into the depth chart.
Nicole: That’s right. Today we have three things coming up. First, we’ll dive into the most critical position battle currently rocking the Stars' lineup. Second, we’ll look at two other key depth-chart questions affecting the team’s structure. And finally, we’ll make some roster-cut predictions—telling you who is trending up and who might be heading out the door before the playoffs or end-of-season reviews.
Kevin: And remember, we’ve talked about Maitane’s potential release in recent days. Today, we see if the data supports that narrative or if there’s another story brewing with players like Julia Grosso and the new signing Racheal Kundananji.
Nicole: Let’s get right into it. Segment One: The Most Important Position Battle. Kevin, where is the competition fiercest right now?
Kevin: If we’re talking about immediate impact, it has to be the attacking midfield and forward interface. Specifically, the integration of Racheal Kundananji versus the existing options, including the ongoing situation with Maitane.
Nicole: Right. We’ve discussed Maitane’s release almost every day since Tuesday. But looking at the last game against Angel City on March 15th, Maitane still led the team in shots with two. Why does that matter now?
Kevin: It matters because volume doesn’t equal efficiency, Nicole. In that 4-0 loss, the Stars struggled to create high-quality chances. Maitane had two shots, but none were on target effectively enough to change the game. Meanwhile, Angel City’s Maiara Niehues had five total shots. That’s the gap we need to fill.
Nicole: So, where does Kundananji fit in? She’s a new signing, fresh off the press. How does her profile compare to what we’ve seen from the current attackers?
Kevin: Kundananji brings physicality and aerial threat, which is something the Stars have lacked in transition play. When we look at build-up play, especially when Julia Grosso was distributing 31 accurate passes in that last match, the ball needs a second phase. Kundananji offers that vertical option.
Nicole: But here’s the rub: if Maitane is indeed being released, as we predicted earlier, does Kundananji automatically start? Or is there another player stepping up?
Kevin: Not necessarily automatically. The tactical system requires specific movement. If the coaching staff wants to maintain width and exploit spaces behind the defensive line, Kundananji is a better fit than a static forward. But if they rely on intricate combination play in the box, someone else might take the minutes.
Nicole: It’s a classic case of system over star power. The Stars are 16th in the league; they can’t afford inefficiency. Every touch has to count.
Kevin: Exactly. And that’s why this battle isn’t just about talent—it’s about tactical alignment. If Kundananji doesn’t click within the next week, the window for improvement closes fast.
Nicole: Before we move to Segment Two, I want to pause for a moment. If today’s breakdown helped you understand the Stars’ tactics better, please consider supporting the show. Your contribution keeps us free and daily. Check the link in the episode description to help us keep bringing you this coverage.
Nicole: Welcome back. Segment Two: Two More Battles / Depth-Chart Questions. Let’s talk defense and midfield stability.
Kevin: First battle: Goalkeeper consistency. Alyssa Naeher made two saves in the last game. That sounds low, but remember, Angel City only forced two significant shots on target that she had to stop directly. However, the defensive line allowed four goals.
Nicole: Right, it’s not really about Naeher’s stats. It’s about the shape in front of her. Who is holding the back line together?
Kevin: This is where Michelle Alozie’s absence due to international duty hurts. Her experience in one-on-one situations and her ability to organize the press is missing. Without her, the defensive line is too high, leaving space for counters.
Nicole: So, the second battle is essentially: Can the remaining defenders replicate Alozie’s leadership until she returns?
Kevin: Precisely. And looking at the midfield, Julia Grosso remains the anchor. Her 31 accurate passes show she’s trying to control tempo, but without width from the forwards, she’s isolated. The battle here is whether the wing-backs provide enough support or if Grosso has to drop deeper, ceding possession.
Nicole: It’s a tightrope walk. Control vs. Creativity. If Grosso drops too deep, the attack loses its spark. If she stays advanced, the midfield gets overrun.
Kevin: And that’s why depth is so crucial. The Stars need players who can switch roles seamlessly. Right now, the rotation seems rigid, which makes them predictable.
Nicole: Segment Three: Roster-Cut Predictions and Who’s Trending Up/Down. Let’s get into the hot seat.
Kevin: Trending down: Maitane. Despite leading in shots, her inability to convert or create clear-cut chances against top-tier defenses like Angel City suggests she’s not the solution for the final push.
Nicole: We’ve said it before, but the pattern is clear. Zero to two additional wins if this continues. Does that mean a release is imminent?
Kevin: I predict yes. The Stars are bidding for the 2031 World Cup games. They need a roster that projects well for the future, not just the present. Maitane’s contract and performance metrics don’t align with that long-term vision.
Nicole: Okay, so Maitane is likely gone. Who trends up?
Kevin: Racheal Kundananji. If she starts and shows even half of her physical dominance, she becomes the focal point. The integration period is short, but the payoff could be huge for the playoff push.
Nicole: And what about Julia Grosso? Is she safe?
Kevin: Grosso is safe. Her passing range is elite. The issue isn’t her quality; it’s the lack of service around her. As long as she’s there, the team has a heartbeat.
Nicole: Final prediction: The Stars finish the regular season with zero to two more wins, relying on Kundananji’s integration and Grosso’s distribution to salvage some pride before the year ends.
Nicole: That’s our take. The roster battles are heating up, and the decisions made now will echo into the 2031 World Cup bid. Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network.
Kevin: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this episode with a fellow Stars fan.
Nicole: Up, Stars, Up! We’ll see you tomorrow.