KC Current lose third straight game; Portland wins 2-0

The Kansas City Current prepared for the Portland Thorns with back-to-back losses, something so rare the past two seasons that it still shocks you, but Head Coach Chris Armas said they would be ready, with a big reaction. It would be no easy task at Providence Park, where Kansas City, in the last two seasons, has seen success. But that was a different time, when the Current were not struggling to win games and score goals.

No heavy rotation this time around. Armas turned to the main starters to take on the Thorns in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Kayla Sharples started on the bench, giving the task to Gabrielle Robinson and Elizabeth Ball at center back, with Izzy Rodriguez and Ellie Bravo-Young on their usual left back and right back positions. Lo’eau LaBonta and Katie Scott made up the double pivot. In the midfield, it was Debinha, Croix Bethune, and Michelle Cooper, with Ally Sentnor at the nine.

STARTING SATURDAY STRONG 💪

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-03-28T19:00:25.662Z

Portland took advantage of the Kansas City defense in the first 15 minutes. Sofia Wilson, who returned to the Thorns’ starting lineup, was able to get past Bravo-Young to create chances and had shots hit the post. Lorena kept Portland from sending Providence Park into a frenzy. In the 10th minute, after the ball hit the post and another shot on goal came her way, she extended her left foot out to send it away.

In the 35th minute, as Kansas City was building momentum, Debinha found Ally Sentnor in the box, but Sentnor’s shot was right to Mackenzie Arnold, who got a glove on it to deflect it for the save. For a brief moment, it appeared the Current would take the lead, but the game headed into halftime scoreless. It would be the first time this season that the Current did not concede the first goal in the first 45, despite the Thorns’ 11 shots, 2 on goal, a .80 xG, and winning possession at 58%.

Portland came out in the second half the same way they did in the first, pressing forward, breaking down the Kansas City defense to a point of confusion and costly mistakes. Both goals in the second half were poor decisions. The first was by Elizabeth Ball in the 52nd minute when she tried to pass to the middle, but right in front of her was Sofia Wilson, who won the ball. In an effort to stop Wilson, Ball extended her left foot, missing the ball entirely and taking her down. A penalty kick was awarded, and Olivia Moultrie converted for the 1-0 lead for Portland.

In the 63rd minute, Lorena misread going for the ball as Portland sent a long ball into the box. The 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year went far too early and missed entirely, and Reilyn Turner made it 2-0 for the Thorns.

A looooooooong ball from Jayden Perry finds Reilyn Turner to head it over the keeper 💫Portland leads 2-0!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-03-28T21:37:46.561Z