Chicago and Boston Completed NWSL Player Transfers

The NWSL clubs finalized major roster moves involving Racheal Kundananji and Gift Monday before the league's roster freeze.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Soccer

Chicago and Boston Completed NWSL Player Transfers

Live Poll

Does constant player movement in professional leagues negatively impact your connection to your local team?

Chicago Stars FC acquired forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC in a $700,000 deal. Simultaneously, Boston Legacy FC secured forward Gift Monday from the Washington Spirit for $500,000.

Why it matters

The transactions allow Chicago Stars FC to bolster its roster for future seasons, while the Washington Spirit offloaded a player who held a limited role within the current rotation.

Chicago paid $700,000 in intraleague funds for Kundananji, who recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in 63 appearances for Bay FC. Boston paid $500,000 for Monday, who scored 12 goals in 48 games during her tenure with the Washington Spirit.

The players

Racheal Kundananji

She is a professional forward who previously competed for Bay FC and Madrid CFF.

Chicago Stars FC

This is a professional soccer organization competing in the National Women's Soccer League.

Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is a professional soccer club based in the Washington D.C. area.

Gift Monday

She is a professional forward who recently transitioned from the Washington Spirit to Boston Legacy FC.

Boston Legacy FC

This is a professional women's soccer franchise that recently acquired new talent through the transfer market.

The details

Teams finalized these intraleague trades following the close of the external transfer deadline and prior to the league's 3 p.m. ET roster freeze on Thursday. Washington retains a 20% sell-on clause for any future transfer of Gift Monday.

February 2024 marked Kundananji's initial arrival at Bay FC from Madrid CFF.
The NWSL external transfer deadline passed last month.
The NWSL roster freeze took effect at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Soccer
Oct. 5
Howell Replaced Coffey on USWNT Roster for Friendlies
Soccer
Oct. 7
USWNT Began Training Camp in Georgia
Investing
Sept. 27
Whoop Secured $575 Million in Funding in 2026

Season Trajectory

These transactions reflect an aggressive shift by clubs looking to optimize their rosters as the NWSL season reaches its final phase. By acquiring established forwards, Chicago and Boston are prioritizing immediate roster depth and long-term development over current stability.

The acquisition of Kundananji positions Chicago to restructure its attack for the 2027 cycle and beyond. Meanwhile, Washington Spirit fans should note the 20% future sell-on clause, which provides the club with potential financial upside should Boston Legacy FC trade Monday again.

The takeaway

Front offices utilize the period immediately following external transfer deadlines to finalize trades that address long-term tactical gaps. Strategic sell-on clauses, such as the one held by Washington, act as a hedge to protect future investment value.