KC Current knock Portland Thorns out of top spot, winning 3-1

Hosting the Portland Thorns after a 2-1 loss in Angel City would be an important game for the Kansas City Current. The loss in LA snapped the three-game winning streak after all, and the last meeting between these two clubs in Portland resulted in a 2-0 loss for the Current. But Kansas City returned to CPKC Stadium, where they had yet to lose a match in 2026.

Head Coach Chris Armas made two changes to the starting XI, going with Gabrielle Robinson at centerback in place of Elizabeth Ball and Ellie-Bravo Young instead of Laney Rouse. Ball and Rouse had started the previous four matches.

READY TO DEFEND OUR HOUSE 😤

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T16:05:47.336Z

The storyline heading into this game would be hosting the top-of-the-table Portland Thorns, the Current’s strongest opponent faced so far at CPKC Stadium, testing the undefeated home record of 21 straight regular-season matches (18-0-3) at CPKC Stadium. Portland would threaten that record in the 14th minute. Despite the Current having a couple of opportunities in the first 13 minutes, Sophia Wilson was eventually left wide open in the box after a throw-in and went 1v1 with Lorena for the 1-0 lead early.

So much goes wrong. Too easy off the throw for Portland. Over persuing the throw. Sharples doesn't close down. Lorena can't get beat near post. 1-0 Portland. #KCBaby #KCvPOR

— Chad Smith (@chadcsmith.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T17:23:24.561Z

The Current continued to find moments to build up play and put pressure on the Thorns’ defense. In the 31st minute, Izzy Rodriguez sent a left-footed shot, but it was saved by Portland’s Mackenzie Arnold. Ten minutes later, though, the build-up play would pay off as Ally Sentnor received the ball in the box, and instead of going right for the goal, she found Lo’eua LaBonta to her left. LaBonta took one quick look to send it in for the goal, giving Kansas City the much-needed equalizer before halftime.

LO IS LIGHTNING FAST 💨Lo'eau LaBonta delivers her first goal of the season after an assist from Ally Sentnor 👏

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T17:53:59.243Z

The start of the second half saw more moments of pressure from Kansas City, with Croix Bethune often serving balls into the attack, finding Cooper and Chawinga for opportunities. LaBonta was also a part of that attack, directing play and winning the ball in the midfield. In the 64th minute, LaBonta was a part of that second goal with the initial steal that sent possession to Bethune. With Temwa Chawinga left wide open on the wing, Bethune sent a pass her way. Chawinga finished to give Kansas City the 2-1 lead, her sixth goal of the season.

LaBonta with the steal. Croix places an inch-perfect pass and Temwa passes it into the net for her 6th of the year. KC Current up 2-1! #KCBaby #KCvPOR

— KC Soccer Journal (@kcsoccerjournal.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T18:29:37.964Z

Portland would answer in the 68th minute with a header goal that was called offside, but it would keep the match close as the Thorns found themselves in the Current half more in the last quarter of the game. With the Thorns looking to equalize, Armas brought in Laney Rouse for Michelle Cooper to add another defender, moving up Bravo-Young to right wing.

But Kansas City would add a third goal in stoppage time to seal the win. As the Current cleared the ball away from the Portland attack, Chawinga won possession and took the ball all the way to the box. Haley Hopkins was also making that run with Chawinga and received the pass to score the final goal, her second of the season.

Temwa to Hopkins to seal it! 3-1! #KCBaby #KCvPOR

— KC Soccer Journal (@kcsoccerjournal.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T18:59:44.061Z

With the win, Kansas City won its ninth straight home win, setting an NWSL record as well as tying the 2014-2015 Seattle Reign FC for its 22nd consecutive regular-season home win. With the loss, Portland drops out of the top spot in the NWSL. The Current will remain at CPKC Stadium next Saturday to host the Boston Legacy.