KC Current and Washington Spirit draw 0-0

First-place Kansas City Current hosted the Washington Spirit in a first-place versus second-place match-up. The Spirit, unbeaten in seven games and having scored eight goals in their last five matches, hoped to stop the Current’s seven straight shutouts and slow down their race towards capturing the NWSL Shield. While the Current could not clinch the Shield in this game, a victory would put them one game closer. Kansas City, with a win, would guarantee a top-2 finish and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Despite the potential of the match’s results, Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski opted for rotation, trusting the depth of his roster. Nichelle Prince started in place of Temwa Chawinga, who was listed as questionable for the game, and Ally Sentnor in place of Debinha, who started on the bench. Lorena also returned after missing last week due to injury.

FREIGHT TRAIN COMING THROUGH 🗣️@BlueKC | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/r99XF7xNl4

— KC Current – x (@thekccurrent) September 13, 2025

The Current’s high press early on could not result in any major opportunities, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. With through balls to Nichelle Prince, just like those usually sent to Chawinga, she could not meet them in time to gain possession. Kansas City spent the majority of the first half fending off the Spirit’s fouls. By first half’s end, Spiri had committed seven in comparison to the Current’s three. Neither team had much to show beyond that stat as both defenses shut the other team’s attack in the box. The Spirit controlled possession at 64%, and the xG was fairly low at .30 for the Current and .15 for Washington.

Debinha subbed in for Prince at the start of the second half, and her substitution brought the flair the Current were looking for in the first 45.

May I present Exhibit A:

An electric run from Debinha leads to a great KC chance ⚡ pic.twitter.com/yS7I35YKHg

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 14, 2025

Previous to Debinha’s run, Washington could have been the first on the board in the 47th minute had it not been for Izzy Rodriguez deflecting Croix Bethune’s shot. Kansas City maintained a solid defense in the second half despite the Spirit attempting six shots with three on goal. The Current also managed more shots on goal this half, with four and nine overall shots. The big advantage for Kansas City came in the 66th minute when Washington went down to 10 players after Hal Hershfelt was given her second yellow card of the game for her studs-up challenge on Claire Hutton’s ankle, but they could not capitalize as the Current could not break through the Spirit defense, ending the match at 0-0.

The Current remain unbeaten for another week with their eight straight shutout, maintaining an unbeaten record at CPKC Stadium this season. The Current also become the fastest team in NWSL history to reach 50 points after 20 games. Kansas City can still clinch a top-2 seed with the following:

• A draw plus San Diego draw/loss and Portland draw/loss, OR
• A loss plus San Diego loss, Portland draw/loss, and Orlando draw/loss