Chicago Red Stars look to former NWSL champion for midfield solution | OneFootball

The Chicago Red Stars have taken a big step toward building a competitive team for the 2025 NWSL season. The signing of Spanish midfielder Maitane López has been announced as a strategic move to bolster the roster and increase the team's chances of contending for titles. The two-year deal runs through 2026.

Maitane López, 29, brings a constant and functional playing style, focused on the recovery of the ball and building plays from the defensive midfield. Not an undisputed starter while at Gotham FC, Spanish midfielder Maitane López proved indispensable in key moments, contributing to the team's tactical balance and organization.

With Gotham, she played a total of 31 matches in two seasons, accumulating 1,745 minutes of playing time. Some key strengths in her game are setting the pace of the match by accurate passing and winning the ball back at vital moments. Primarily defensive in midfield, she provides consistency in the structure, without ever being adverse to forward surges as needed or desired.

One of her defining moments came in September 2023 when she scored her first NWSL goal against North Carolina Courage. It was a well-worked play that started with her smart positioning in the box and culminated in a perfectly placed strike.

A more robust and creative midfield

Maitane's arrival represents a major upgrade for the Chicago Red Stars' midfield, which has looked for more consistency and imagination in recent times. Club General Manager Richard Feuz highlighted her versatility and technical ability as key factors in what makes her an essential addition: "Maitane's technical skills, along with her experience in Gotham and Liga F, give us much-needed depth in midfield and strengthen our roster heading into the 2025 season."

Feuz's words underline what Maitane is expected to do on the pitch: being the connecting link between the defense and the attack, giving rhythm and dictating the pace, bringing stability during the critical moments of games. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Before shining in the United States, Maitane built a solid career in Spain, playing for clubs like Levante, Real Sociedad, and Atlético de Madrid. During more than 11 seasons in Spanish soccer, the midfielder scored 42 goals. Her time with Atlético was particularly notable, highlighted by winning the Copa de la Reina in her final season with the club.

From youth teams to the senior national team, Maitane has been called up for various levels representing Spain on the international stage. Such international experience adds maturity to her game, which will come very handy in the highly competitive league of NWSL.

Looking ahead with the Chicago Red Stars

The 2024 season was a massive improvement for the Chicago Red Stars, who moved from dead last in 2023 to a playoff position. However, an early exit at the hands of eventual champions Orlando Pride showed there's still work to be done. Maitane's signing signals the club's intent to address these shortcomings and aim for more consistent results.

Maitane is expected to be a key contributor to that continued evolution by the coaching staff and management. Along with some other roster moves, it could make the Red Stars a considerably stronger contender than in years past within the NWSL.

Both the club and the player have expressed optimism about this new partnership. "I’m beyond excited to start this new chapter of my career with the Chicago Red Stars," said Maitane. "I’m ready to give my all, grow as a player, and help the team win titles."