KC Current set NWSL win streak record and take the #1 spot

As the only undefeated team heading into the match (big news: the Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride 1-0 before this game), the Kansas City Current returned to CPKC Stadium to host the Houston Dash. Coming off a 2-0 win at San Diego, the Current were set to continue their winning record for the season and to break the NWSL win streak record. Dating back to the end of last season, the Current winning eight straight regular season games tied Orlando’s longest run set from April to May 2024. With Orlando’s loss and the 2-0 win versus the Houston Dash, the Current took sole control of the top spot in the NWSL, remaining undefeated and setting an NWSL record with nine consecutive wins.

Starting XI

A couple of injuries changed the starting XI in the backline and in the attack as Elizabeth Ball started in place of Alana Cook at center back, and Bia Zaneratto earned her first start since her return from injury. Bia started her first match since Oct. 5, 2024, and played 70 minutes. Nichelle Prince also earned her second start of the season, likely due to Michelle Cooper’s injury. Of note, Claire Hutton was on the bench while Vanessa DiBenardo returned to the starting line up, signaling back to health after missing 76 minutes last week.

Lineups for KC Current vs. Houston Dash.-Elizabeh Ball starts. Alana Cook is out with an injury.-Nichelle Prince with her second start. Michelle Cooper not in the lineup for this one. #KCBaby

— Cindy Lara (@cindy-lara.bsky.social) 2025-04-19T22:52:43.955Z

The Current continue what they do best

Score goals and win! Houston, in attempt to keep the Current attack from scoring, switched quickly to a five-back defensive unit with the help of their midfield. It was not the best strategy, in my opinion. Kansas City was able to keep control (56% possession in the first half) and break through for nine shots/three on target in the first 45.

In the 20th minute, Houston’s Katie Lind, in a challenge to take the ball away from Bia, ended up tripping her in the box. The referee immediately signaled for the PK spot. No lengthy VAR check needed as it was an easy call. Lo’eau LaBonta stepped to take the kick and converted to give Kansas City the 1-0 lead. This was LaBonta’s 12th penalty kick of her NWSL regular season career and her third of the season. She is 12-for-13 all-time in penalty kicks and tied for third all-time in NWSL regular season history for converted penalties.

LaBonta celebrated as well, of course.

Lo LaBonta absolutely BURIES it from the spot 😮‍💨

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-04-20T00:03:36.072Z

Pirouettes on grass? Leave it to Lo LaBonta 🩰

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-04-20T00:09:15.019Z

Kansas City continued the celebrations in the second half as Kayla Sharples, who had been very involved in the attack and had a shot in the first half, scored her first goal of the season, and her first as a member of the Kansas City Current. Off a corner kick, Sharples got just enough of the ball to head it in for goal and make it 2-0 for Kansas City.

Izzy Rodriguez corner ➡️ Kayla Sharples header ➡️ KC GOAL!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-04-20T00:56:47.107Z

The Current remain undefeated, improving to 5-0 for the season, the only team now after the Orlando loss, and record their fourth shutout. They have not conceded a goal since the season opener against the Portland Thorns, extending their shutout streak to a franchise-record 401 minutes. Kansas City became the second team in NWSL history to start a season 5-0-0, tying a league record by scoring two or more goals in seven games. The win also is Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s 89th career NWSL regular season victory. He now tied for second in league history. Up next for the Current, a trip to face the North Carolina Courage.

NWSL Match Report
Match: Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash
Date: April 19, 2025
Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Kickoff: 6:35 p.m. CT
Weather: 55 degrees, cloudy
Attendance: 11,500

Discipline
58’ Houston – Sheehan (Yellow)
88’ Houston – Westphal (Yellow)

Scoring
21’ Kansas City – LaBonta (PK)

62’ Kansas City – Sharples (I. Rodriguez)

Kansas City Current Lineup: Lorena, Wheeler (84’ Mace), Ball, Sharples, I. Rodriguez, LaBonta ©, DiBernardo (80’ Feist), Prince (70’ Hutton), Chawinga, Zaneratto (70’ Hopkins), Debinha (80’ Long)
Unused Substitutes: Ivory, R. Rodríguez, Steigleder, Lacho

Houston Dash Lineup: Campbell ©, Nielsen – VC, Westphal, Graham, Lind, Sheehan, Olivieri (86’ Orgonez), Gareis, Colaprico (89’ Puntigam), Bright (70’ Alozie), Ryan

Unused Substitutes: Matthews, Van Zanten, Schmidt, Briede, Bachmann, Smith