Recap: KC Current upset in Chicago

The Kansas City Current traveled to face the Chicago Stars FC on a cold and windy field on the shores of Lake Michigan. The 2025 NWSL Shield Winners were upset 2-1 by Chicago. A pair of goals on either side of halftime by the Stars were too much for the Current to overcome, despite a score by Haley Hopkins to make it a one goal game with 40 minutes left.

The Current made one change to the starting lineup, adding captain Lo LaBonta in place of the injured Baily Feist. LaBonta has been battling an injury in the preseason and missed the season opener.

OUR STARTING STARS 💫@BlueKC | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/3V6zp0zkAG

— KC Current (@thekccurrent) March 22, 2026

Chicago was trounced 4-1 on the road at Angel City FC in their season opener. Chicago’s new coach Martin Sjögren, made a pair of changes to his previous roster for the match.

Your home opener lineup is here ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/YY5G2FADIY

— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) March 22, 2026

The Current were the better team through the first part of the half, but Chicago started to level the playing field as the match matured. Both teams were battling the elements, the wind affecting the match for both sides. The first shot on goal for Chicago came in the 42nd minute. Sam Staab took the corner and dropped it right at the edge of the six-yard box. The ball took an unfortunate bounce off Gabrielle Robinson’s shoulder and set up for Tessa Dellarose to side volley it past Current keeper Lorena. It was the first goal for Dellarose in her first start and gave the home team the lead shortly before halftime.

It was the second game in a row that the Current allowed the other team to take the lead on a set-piece opportunity.

A goal Tessa will never forget 🥹 pic.twitter.com/HTQqQA1AhS

— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) March 22, 2026

Shortly after the second half resumed. Julia Grosso dribbled up field through a non-existent Current midfield before sliding the ball out wide to a wide open Ryan Gareis. Before anyone could close the space down, Gareis chipped the ball into the middle of the box where Jordyn Huitema was able to head the ball past Lorena at point-blank range. The goal doubled the lead in the 49th minute and was the eventual game winner for the Stars.

49' | JORDYN SCORES HER FIRST STARS GOAL!!! 💥

🔵 | 2-0 | 🔴 pic.twitter.com/IU1hDyEXeT

— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) March 22, 2026

The Current did not roll over without a fight. Haley Hopkins replaced Michelle Cooper at halftime and made an impact for the second game in a row. Izzy Rodriguez sliced a ball just behind the Chicago defenders as Hopkins made the respective run from the other side. Hopkins met the well-timed Rodriguez cross to put it in the net from directly in front of the goal.

HERE. COMES. HOPKINS. 😮‍💨@haleyyhopkins with an immediate impact off the bench after @izzyrodriguezzz's record breaking 12th career assist 👏 pic.twitter.com/K2Cue663WQ

— KC Current (@thekccurrent) March 22, 2026

The Current were hoping to start the season with two wins for the third straight season, but came up short. The league did the Current and new coach, Chris Armas no favors. They now stay on the road to face the Seattle Reign on Wednesday and the Portland Thorns on Saturday.