Nicole: We are down zero to four. Again. And if you think that scoreline against Angel City was just a bad day at the office, you haven’t been watching the tactical breakdowns we’ve been running all week. Today, we’re tearing apart your mailbag questions, looking at where this team stands in the NWSL cellar, and answering the burning question: is Maitane really done here?
Kevin: It’s a tough one for Chicago fans right now. We’ve got a 5-2-22 record sitting dead last in 16th place, and with Decision Day looming, the pressure is mounting. Let’s get into it.
Nicole: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Nicole, and alongside me as always is our lead analyst, Kevin. We are live on November 2nd, 2026. Before we dive into the emails, Ava has laid out our three big topics for today. First, we’re tackling the biggest fan question about Maitane’s future following that heavy defeat. Second, we’re breaking down the depth chart battles and what Racheal Kundananji brings to the mix. And third, we’re looking at the broader NWSL landscape, including the tensions between the league and U.S. Soccer over player availability.
Kevin: That’s right. And we’re going to ground all of this in the facts. No guessing games. Just what we know from the API data and the match reports. Let’s open the mailbag.
Nicole: Alright, let’s start with a huge one. Sarah from Rochester wrote in asking about Maitane. She says, 'I know we talked about her release before, but after seeing her take two shots against Angel City and only managing 31 passes through Julia Grosso, is she actually contributing? Or is this season over for her?' Kevin, you projected earlier that she might be released by the end of the season. What do you see now?
Kevin: Sarah raises a valid point. When you look at the box score from that 4-0 loss to Angel City, Maitane had two total shots. That’s not nothing in terms of effort, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The issue isn’t just her output; it’s the system around her. Julia Grosso had 31 accurate passes, which shows she’s trying to build from the back, but without width or support, those passes aren’t leading to chances. If Maitane isn’t creating space or finishing, and the team is conceding four goals, the coaching staff has to make hard calls.
Nicole: Right. And let’s remember, we’re talking about a team that is 5-2-22. That’s a very specific number. Two wins, twenty-two losses. It’s a steep hill to climb. But Sarah also asked about the defense. How do you explain giving up four goals when Alyssa Naeher made two saves? Isn’t she usually more reliable than that?
Kevin: Naeher is world-class, but two saves means she wasn’t tested much. Why? Because the defensive line was bypassed entirely. Angel City’s Maiara Niehues had five shots, and Gisele Thompson completed 43 passes. That’s control. That’s possession. Chicago didn’t just lose; they were suffocated. The defensive line couldn’t hold its shape, so Naeher didn’t have to make a parade of saves. It’s a systemic failure, not just a goalkeeper issue.
Nicole: Ouch. Okay, let’s move to another email. Marcus in Denver asks: 'With the NWSL Power Rankings showing San Diego Wave at number one and Angel City rising, how does Chicago even compete? Are we just watching from the bottom?' He’s asking about the gap between us and the top teams.
Kevin: The gap is real, Marcus. San Diego has won five straight. They’re peaking. Meanwhile, Chicago is struggling for control. The headlines mention tension between the NWSL and U.S. Soccer over USWNT player availability. That kind of off-field noise can distract from on-field cohesion. If key players are pulled away for national team duties or if there’s uncertainty about their schedules, it disrupts the build-up play we talked about yesterday. You can’t build a consistent press if your roster is unstable.
Nicole: That’s a great point. Instability kills momentum. Now, @StarsFan99 wants to know about the upcoming game against Washington Spirit. The highlights are already online for that matchup on November 2nd. Is there any hope for a bounce-back win, or are we expecting another shutout loss?
Kevin: Hope is a dangerous word in sports analytics. Looking at the trajectory, we previously predicted zero to two additional wins for the season. If we stick to that, a win against Washington would be a massive outlier. But tactically, if Chicago can tighten the midfield and stop leaking passes like they did against Angel City, they might keep it closer. However, relying on a single bright spot like Grosso’s passing isn’t enough when you need goals. Maitane needs to step up, or someone else needs to fill that void.
Nicole: Let’s pause here for a quick moment. We love answering your questions, but keeping this show free and daily takes a lot of work. Our research, editing, and hosting rely on your support. If you enjoy these deep dives, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. Your contribution helps us keep the feed running and bring you the best analysis every single day. Thank you for being part of the family.
Nicole: Welcome back. We’re diving into the roster battles now. Emily from Chicago writes in: 'What about Racheal Kundanianji? We heard she’s integrated into the squad. Does she change the dynamic compared to Maitane?' This is a big one for the depth chart.
Kevin: Racheal Kundananji is a different profile. She’s known for her physicality and ability to hold up play. In contrast, Maitane is more of a technical creator. If the team is struggling to retain possession, Kundananji might offer more stability in the final third. But integration takes time. You don’t just plug her in and expect immediate results. The chemistry with Grosso and the rest of the midfield needs to develop. Right now, the data shows Grosso handling the bulk of the distribution, which suggests the system hasn’t fully shifted to leverage Kundananji’s strengths yet.
Nicole: So it’s a work in progress. Another listener, David in Houston, asks: 'Given the 4-0 loss, should the coach change the formation? Maybe go wider to utilize the wings better?' He’s suggesting a tactical shift to help Maitane and Grosso.
Kevin: Width is crucial. Against Angel City, we saw Gisele Thompson completing 43 passes, which implies strong central control. To counter that, Chicago needs to stretch the field. If Maitane is isolated in the middle, she’s easy to mark. By using width, you force the defense to spread out, creating gaps for Grosso to exploit. It’s a basic tactical principle, but execution is hard when you’re under pressure. The question is whether the current roster has the speed and skill to execute a wide attack effectively.
Nicole: David also asks about the goalkeeping situation. With Naeher making only two saves, is there any competition for the starting spot? Or is she firmly entrenched?
Kevin: Naeher is the clear starter. Her value isn’t just in making saves; it’s in organizing the defense. Two saves in a 4-0 loss is actually a good sign for her individually—she wasn’t beaten often. The problem is the team structure. Changing the goalkeeper won’t fix a broken defensive line. Unless there’s an injury, Naeher stays. The focus needs to be on the players in front of her.
Nicole: Okay, one more from @NWSLFanatic: 'Is the Rodman Rule affecting Chicago specifically? The GM survey mentioned rule-breaking and spending.' He’s wondering if financial constraints are limiting the roster quality.
Kevin: The GM survey touches on spending, but it’s broad. For Chicago, the issue seems less about money and more about tactical implementation. A 5-2-22 record suggests fundamental issues in how the team plays, not just who they sign. If they were spending heavily but still losing, then yes, it would be a resource issue. But given the low number of wins, it looks like a performance problem. They need to play better soccer, regardless of the budget.
Nicole: That’s a harsh truth, but a fair one. Let’s move to Segment 3 for some lighter fare and a fun hypothetical.
Nicole: Alright, lightning round! First, a hypothetical from Lisa in Seattle: 'If Chicago could trade one player to get a star striker tomorrow, who would you trade away?' Based on the current form, who goes?
Kevin: This is tough. You wouldn’t trade Grosso because she’s the engine. You wouldn’t trade Naeher. I’d say Maitane is the most expendable asset right now. If she’s not scoring or creating, and you can get a proven striker in return, that’s a logical move. It aligns with our previous prediction that she might be released. Trading her adds value instead of letting her walk for nothing.
Nicole: Smart. Next quick take: Who was the standout player for Angel City in that 4-0 win? Not just the scorer, but the most influential.
Kevin: Gisele Thompson. 43 accurate passes is a massive number. It shows she controlled the tempo. Maiara Niehues had five shots, which is aggressive, but Thompson’s distribution was what allowed Angel City to dominate possession and create chances. She was the conductor of that orchestra.
Nicole: Agreed. Last quick take: What’s the biggest storyline in the NWSL right now besides Chicago’s struggles?
Kevin: The USWNT roster questions for the 2027 World Cup. The headlines are full of it. Eight months out, teams are jockeying for position. The tension between the NWSL and U.S. Soccer over player availability is complicating things. Clubs want their players available for the season, while U.S. Soccer wants them rested for the World Cup. It’s a mess.
Nicole: And finally, for the fun part: If Chicago could reset the season to zero, what’s the first thing you’d change tactically?
Kevin: I’d change the defensive line height. Push it up. Force the press earlier. Stop letting teams like Angel City settle into their rhythm. It’s risky, but playing deeper has led to 22 losses. Sometimes you have to gamble to survive.
Nicole: There you have it, fans. From Maitane’s future to the USWNT drama, we’ve covered it all. We predicted zero to two more wins, and unless something miraculous happens, that’s likely where we’ll end up. But we’re still here, analyzing every pass and every shot.
Kevin: Thanks for listening. Keep supporting the team, even when it’s tough. That’s what makes being a fan special.
Nicole: If you enjoyed this mailbag, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend who needs to hear this reality check. And remember, the link in the episode description is there if you want to support the show directly.
Kevin: See you next time. Go Stars.
Nicole: Go Stars!