KC Current 17-game unbeaten streak ends in Houston

In the final road game of the 2025 NWSL season, the Kansas City Current headed to Houston to face the Dash at Shell Energy Stadium. The Current, having already secured a spot in the NWSL playoffs that begin in November, and having won the Shield back in September, as well as setting an NWSL record for most points in a single season, faced a Dash team that would be eliminated from the postseason with a loss or draw. And while the Current leads the all-time regular season series against the Dash, coming into the game at 5-3-3, the Current’s previous two matches in Houston have been draws.

Kansas City’s first-place dominance did not stop Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski from going with a strong starting XI, including Temwa Chawinga, who was listed as questionable. Gabrielle Robinson earned another start at center back alongside Kayla Sharples, which could signal a return to full-time center back status.

Houston, trying to keep their playoff hopes alive, came out on the attack with an effort on goal as early as the 4th minute as Messiah Bright attempted to give the Dash the early lead. Later in the 15th minute, a shot from a distance by Sara Puntigam nearly accomplished that endeavor. Kansas City also had a few attempts that could have resulted in goals in the 19th minute and in the 23rd. In the 19th, Izzy sent a cross to Claire Hutton, who was in a perfect position to put it in for her first goal of her NWSL career, but it hit the post. Debinha attempted a header in the 23rd, but it went wide.

It appeared that despite the Houston pressure and a strong defense, the Current were controlling the game, maintaining possession and creating chances, but Chawinga went down in the 24th minute, stopping play for five minutes as the trainers tried to determine what had happened. Chawinga left in the 29th minute with Nichelle Prince taking her place. After the game, in his post-game press conference, Vlatko confirmed an upper leg injury that needed an MRI. And if you’re wondering why Chawinga would play despite her questionable status, Vlatko said she felt good to play and would have played 60 minutes had it not been for the injury.

Losing Chawinga was not an ideal situation, but Kansas City had a total of 11 shots, four on target, and a .61xG, with 57% possession in the first half. If they didn’t score in the first half, they surely had the momentum to get a goal in the second half. But the second half belonged to Houston as they continued to put on a defensive stance and found opportunities to counter. In one of those moments of transition, the Current conceded the game-winning goal in the 69th minute.

Paige Nielsen won the ball in the Houston half and found Yasmeen Ryan, who raced up the right flank and sent a cross to the left side, where Ryan Gareis, who had just subbed in the 67th minute, was left unmarked and sent the ball into the upper 90 for the goal.

Kansas City was left in an unfamiliar position this season, trying to come from behind and continue its unbeaten streak, but every effort and ones that went beyond the 100+ minutes of the game due to extra time added, were met by Houston’s resistance and goalkeeper Jane Campbell’s saves. She recorded six for the evening. The Current ended the second half with 62% possession, .64xG, nine total shots, two of those on target in their 1-0 loss in Houston, ending the 17-game unbeaten streak.