Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit: Preview, time, and how to watch
Two of the NWSL’s top clubs clash on Saturday night as the Washington Spirit travel to Kansas City to take on the league-leading Current. Both sides are pushing for the Shield and vital playoff positioning, making this one of the marquee matchups of the weekend. Kansas City has already beaten Washington once this season, and the Spirit will need to dig deep to avoid a sweep and prove they can hang with the league’s best.
Starting keeper Aubrey Kingsbury said it best with, “This team is great at fighting back.” The Spirit will need that resilience on the road against a confident Current side that has been nearly unbeatable at CPKC Stadium. If Washington wants to make a statement, now is the time to flip the script and seize the spotlight.
Key Player: Trinity Rodman
Rodman looks back to her best after a recent injury spell, scoring twice in her last outing. Her pace, creativity, and ability to press defenders will be central to the Spirit’s chances of breaking down Kansas City.
Watch Out For: Temwa Chawinga, Lo’eau LaBonta
Chawinga’s speed and movement in the box make her one of the league’s toughest strikers to mark. LaBonta’s midfield control and ability to deliver in key moments give the Current an extra edge.
Challenges: Washington will be without several key players due to injury and maternity leave, putting pressure on their depth. Kansas City must manage without some defensive leaders and could be tested if they can’t establish their usual early dominance.
Previously: Kansas City won the earlier season meeting, but Washington have been finding form lately and carry momentum into this clash. Historically, the Spirit have been competitive against KC, but the Current’s rise has tilted the balance recently.
Kansas City Current Availability:
Out: Alana Cook (SEI – knee), Vanessa DiBernardo (maternity leave), Clare Gagne (SEI – head), Kristen Hamilton (hip)
Questionable: Temwa Chawinga (knee)
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Rebeca Bernal (foot), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (knee), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
Questionable: None
Location: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Kickoff time: 7:30 EDT
Referee: Thomas Snyder
Available TV: Ion
Nice preview! Sucks that Bernal is still out but luckily Abiodun has stepped in admirably. Hoping Chawinga misses this one and we walk away with something from CPKC stadium!
Excited to be able to watch this one!
Croix getting interviewed, standing next to Seb Salazar, I didn’t realize how short she is!
Wikipedia says 5’3”
Chawinga absent! That said, Hutton, Labonta, and Sentnor are one hell of a midfield.
Fluidity of both squads so far not creating a ton of high quality chances against the excellence across from them
This is not like the Reign match. It is STRESSFUL
Lotta competency of shape, lotta tension
Paige Metayer would be one hell of a player if her passing was sharper
Both midfields are really good, both backlines performing competently. Hope our forwards can figure it out
Give me Rose Kouassi, please!
It’s an interesting question when you bring her on, cuz I could see the argument for an 80th minute “fuck, not Kouassi” sprint session
Mckeown with a massive block with Kingsbury on the floor
Hershfelt gets a second yellow. Ruh roh
Monday and Kouassi in for Cantore and Bethune. Gonna make them run when we get the ball
Gotta say, Rodman is looking like a player who is suffering through her second 90 minutes
Monday’s been unusually sloppy
See, I think her speed is saving them. At least keeping the ball in KC’s half and out of their hands for a bit.
Mckeown is having one hell of a performance, especially after Hal’s sending off.
I will say, remarkable that I’m more anxious for this team to nip the win in stoppage than to hold on. They’ve been good
Man, Kouassi did an amazing job dribbling end almost 70 yards, too bad it didn’t end with something
That’s it. Whoever bet on a scoreless draw between these two juggernauts won some money.