It reigned in Seattle for the KC Current, losing 3-0

How would the Kansas City Current bounce back after a 2-1 loss in Chicago? That would be a major question heading into the second road game of the week against the Seattle Reign, and by the end of the game, the answer would be, “Not good at all.” While not officially in Seattle due to World Cup preparations at Lumen Field, the match took place at ONE Spokane Stadium in Spokane, Washington, as two teams coming off embarrassing defeats hoped to put the losses behind them. Seattle sure made up for their loss at Portland, while Kansas City added another loss to its season.

With three games in one week, head coach Chris Armas made six changes to the starting lineup against the Reign, leaving Debinha, Lo’eau LaBonta, Croix Bethune, and Michelle Cooper on the bench. This allowed Kelsey Branson, who was signed on Saturday on a short-term contract, to earn a start at midfield in the double pivot alongside Katie Scott. Rookies Laney Rouse at right back and Gianna Paul at forward earned their first starts. Elizabeth Ball captained and started at center back with Kayla Sharples, Ally Sentnor moved to the number 10 position, and Penelope Hocking earned her first start at the wing as a member of the Current.

FEEL THE TEAL ⚡️

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-03-26T00:06:09.062Z

This particular starting XI for Kansas City would be tested in the first 45 minutes, falling 3-0 and spending the majority of the half fending off Laura Harvey’s ChaptGPT attack. And they were lucky it was not 5-0 by the half’s end. But it was the Reign’s half with 60% possession, 12 total shots, 4 on target (compared to the Current’s two, one on target), and 1.26 xG vs. KC’s 2.0. But where did it go wrong for the Current?

Rewind to the 18th minute, a corner kick, and Angharad James-Turner being left unmarked, with plenty of space to volley the ball in for a goal, and while Lorena got a touch to save it, the ball bounced in for the leading goal. Kansas City, for the third straight game, gave up its third set-piece goal, reminding us all that they have a problem defending set pieces, regardless of the players on the pitch.

WHAT A BEAUTY 🤩Angharad James-Turner finishes the corner service with a volley and a goal!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-03-26T01:41:15.656Z

In the 26th minute, the Current could not win the ball in the midfield, and Seattle pushed forward, leaving the Current defense unprepared. Rouse, trying to cover the space in the middle of the goalbox, left the backpost open, allowing Brittany Ratcliffe to score the Reign’s second goal. Seven minutes later, Seattle added their third goal. This time off a header, as Sofia Huerta sent the ball towards the center of the box, where Maddie Mercado awaited for the 3-0 lead.

And I wish I could give you a better picture of the second half, and perhaps there were glimpses of hope as Bethune, LaBonta, and Debinha entered the match, but the match remained in Seattle’s favor, despite the 50% possession split and Current’s .27 xG vs. .18 and 4 shots, 2 on target. Perhaps it was too little too late, and Kansas City is now 1-2 to begin the 2026 season, conceding 6 goals in just three games. It’s safe to say the Chris Armas Era is not off to a great start.

Up next for the Current, Portland, at Providence Park. Dun dun dun.