Challenge Cup Preview: KC Current vs. Houston Dash

The World Cup break for the regular season has given way for Challenge Cup play as the Kansas City Current (2-1-0, 6 points) host the Houston Dash. (1-2-0, 3 points). This is the fourth UKG NWSL Challenge Cup game for both teams and the second meeting of the tournament between the clubs. Their last match in April resulted in a 2-0 win for the Current.

Match Details

When: Saturday, July 22
Where: Children’s Mercy Park | Kansas City, KS
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Broadcast: Paramount+
Radio: KC Current Radio on Kansas City Current app

Kansas City’s Challenge Cup play is a contrast from their 2023 regular season play where they are currently in last place in the NWSL standings. Though the team has won four of their last seven matches played across all competitions, the July 7, 2-1 loss at Racing Louisville was a bit a of setback. But so far, in the Challenge Cup, Kansas City is in 2nd in the Central Division with 6 points after three games while Houston is in 3rd with 3 points from three games played. The Current are in a good position to earn a spot in the quarter-finals in September, which takes the three group winners as well as the runner-up with the highest point total. Kansas City is the highest-placed runner-up, and a win over Houston would put them closer to that spot.

The Dash have also struggled in 2023 and are winless in their last six games, going over 400 minutes without scoring a goal. The last NWSL team to go six or more games without a goal was the Washington Spirit in seven straight matches from July to August 2018. Houston, however, tends to play a physical game against the Current, and they will bring their top two attackers, Maria Sànchez and Diana Ordóñez.

Series History

Overall:
Kansas City leads 6-4-1

Challenge Cup:
Kansas City leads 3-1-0

Previous 5 Matchups 

5/26/23 – Kansas City 0:2 Houston 
4/19/23 – Houston 0:2 Kansas City (Challenge Cup)
10/16/22 – Houston 1:2 Kansas City (Quarterfinals)
7/1/22 – Houston 1:2 Kansas City 
5/8/22 – Kansas City 0:2 Houston 

Injury Report

OUT: Vanessa DiBernardo (concussion), Hanna Glas (D45 – knee), Claire Lavogez (SEI – knee), Hailie Mace (suspension), Sam Mewis (SEI – knee), Desiree Scott (D45 – knee), Mallory Weber (SEI – knee) 

INTERNATIONAL: Stine Ballisager (Denmark), Debinha (Brazil)