KC Current Wrap up 2026 season in Louisville; Win 2-0 & Clinch 4th

The Kansas City Current headed to NWSL Decision Day in fourth place, needing only a win at Racing Louisville to secure a spot to host a quarterfinal next weekend. If Washington Spirit were to lose or draw against the Chicago Red Stars, along with the KC win, the Current would move up to third place. The Spirit defeated the Red Stars 2-0, though. The Current would have to settle for the fourth seed after their 2-0 win in Louisville.

With a roster at full strength, Head Coach Chris Armas went with the same starting XI as last week in CPKC Stadium. Debinha would keep the strong XI on the field when she subbed in the 68th minute.

STARTERS OFF TO THE RACES 🐎💨

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-11-01T21:05:37.207Z

The last meeting between these two clubs was back in July, which Kansas City won 5-1. Qith Racing Louisville on a nine-game losing streak and Kansas City winning their last four, climbing the NWSL standings along the way, on paper, the Current were favorites. It took fifteen minutes for Kansas City to establish that they were the team to be favored.

Winning a corner kick in the 14th minute, Vanessa DiBernardo sent in the cross right to the middle of the box, where Kayla Sharples was able to head it in for the leading goal in the 15th minute.

Kayla Sharples with the PERFECTLY placed fadeaway header 👌❗️

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-11-01T22:34:31.138Z

Fifteen minutes later, Croix Bethune sent a through pass to Temwa Chawinga, who nearly doubled the lead, but her shot hit the left post, only inches away from going in. Kansas City controlled the first half, maintaining 64% possession, nine total shots, two on target. The defense limited Louisville to one touch in the box and an xG of .11.

The Current continued in the same form in the second half, continuing to limit Louisville’s chances. Total shots for both teams ended up even at six, but the difference was the Current’s constant pressure. Kansas City won another decisive corner kick in the 58th minute. DiBernardo again sent a perfectly placed cross to the center of the box. This time, Haley Hopkins was the one to head it in for goal and clinch the 4th seed and home quarterfinal game.

Haley Hopkins gets her 12TH GOAL of the season‼️Two assists off corners tonight for Vanessa DiBernardo ✌️

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-11-01T23:38:03.941Z

With the 2-0 win, Kansas City wrapped up the 2026 NWSL season on a winning note and on a five-game winning streak, heading to the playoffs as one of the top contenders with a healthy roster and at its peak. The Current will host Angel City FC on Saturday at 11 am.