KC Current remain at the top with 3-1 win in Chicago

After a win at the Orlando Pride that helped maintain their spot at the top of the NWSL table for the fifth consecutive week, the Kansas City Current continued their road trip to face the Chicago Stars, a team hanging at the bottom of the table.

The big story line of the week, however, were the injuries to Alana Cook and Debinha, as well as Temwa Chawinga. Cook was placed on the season ending injury list after tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Orlando. Debinha had her knee injured during a tackle by Orlando’s Emily Sams, sidelining her until August. The good news: Michelle Cooper was cleared to return to play after missing five weeks, and Chawinga, while listed questionable started against Chicago. With those injuries, head coach Vlatko Andonovski made a few changes to the starting XI:

Vlatko with 4 changes to the lineup that won at Orlando as DiBernardo and Ball step on for injuries to Debinha and Cook. Prince and Rocky Rodríguez in for Wheeler and Hutton. After being listed as questionable, Chawinga starts.

— Negro League Soccer Press Corps (@thombomb816.bsky.social) 2025-05-24T22:58:58.503Z

Going against a Chicago three-back defensive shape, Kansas City wasted no time in their attack. With Izzy Rodriguez and Hailie Mace pushing up higher, the Current were comfortable enough to send balls to Chawinga and Bia. Rocky Rodriguez, earning her first start as a member of the KC Current, also did well to help control the midfield and push the ball forward. Chicago maintained the majority of possession, though (52% versus 48% in the first half). Still, it didn’t matter as Kansas City appeared to be more in control. Though the first 30 minutes seemed slower in producing big moments, the Current ended the 0-0 deadlock in the 34th minute.

Hailie Mace won a clearance by Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and passed to Nichelle Prince. Mace ran in between two Chicago defenders and received a pass back. She quickly passed to Bia, who was in the box, and though it seemed the pass caught her off guard, Bia settled it enough to do what Bia does best with some footwork and score a goal, giving Kansas City the 1-0 lead.

THE PASS. THE SKILL. THE FINISH. 🤌

Beautiful start from Mace and @biazaneratto 🔥@NWSL | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/KovJ2cXhY1

— KC Current (@thekccurrent) May 25, 2025

Speaking of players who do what they do best, let’s talk about Chawinga. She had a few opportunities with six touches in the Chicago box that first half, but either the ball was too far from her reach, or Naeher made a save. But it was really just a matter of time, and Chawinga in the 41st minute, after receiving a chipped pass from Bia, zoomed past two defenders, and with a one touch sent the ball past Naeher for goal number two for the Current, and Chawinga’s sixth of the season (26th overall for anyone keeping track).

https://x.com/thekccurrent/status/1926433934537044165

Leading 2-0 coming into halftime, the Current seemed comfortable, and perhaps too comfortable that they conceded a goal on a free kick in the 52nd minute as Shea Groom beat the KC defense to head it in for goal. Eight minutes after Chicago narrowed the lead, Kansas City found themselves in their own free kick situation. Izzy Rodriguez kicked the ball right to the box, in perfect placement for Kayla Sharples to send a header right on frame to score her second goal of the season, and cement the win for Kansas City in the 60th minute.

IZZY TO KAY SHARPS PERFECTION 🤌

Something about @izzyrodriguezzz's crosses to @kaysharps 😉@NWSL | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/h1esDnZQKc

— KC Current (@thekccurrent) May 25, 2025

With the 3-1 win, Kansas City remained unbeaten for the third consecutive game to stay at the top of the table for the sixth week. The Current now prepare for Gotham FC in New Jersey after the international break to complete the three-game road trip.