Match preview: KC Current @ Houston Dash

The Kansas City Current (6-10-0, 18 pts.) travel to Texas to take on the Houston Dash (4-5-7, 19 pts.) for another crucial game in their regular season. This is the fourth meeting between the two teams in 2023. The Current, coming off a significant victory last week against OL Reign, will attempt to continue to make a push to climb the NWSL standings. The Current are six points away from 6th place, the position needed to make the playoffs in late October.

Match Details

When: Saturday, August 26
Where: Shell Energy Stadium | Houston, TX
Time: 7:30 PM CT
Broadcast: Paramount+
Radio: KC Current Radio on Kansas City Current app

With six games left to play, every game for the Current is a must-win situation. The same can be said of the Houston Dash. The Dash earned a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit last week, continuing their six-game winless streak in the regular season since June 4. Houston is in 9^th place with 19 points, while Kansas City in is 11th place with 18 points. One point separates the two teams, though.

The Current facing Houston may just be the chance they need to make a climb in the standings. Kansas City is unbeaten in five all-time road games against the Dash (W4 D1). In their 1-0 win over the Reign last Friday, Kansas City set franchise records across all competitions for successful passes (423) and pass attempts (514). The 82.3% passing accuracy was the second highest in team history, only best by the 85.2% the team had earlier this month against Louisville in Challenge Cup play.

A win against Houston would put the Current in 8th place, at least for a day until the other NWSL games are played on Sunday, but the three points are desperately needed for the playoffs.

Series History

Overall:
Kansas City leads 7-4-1

Previous 5 Matchups 

7/22/23 – Kansas City 3:1 Houston (Challenge Cup)
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

Injury Report

OUT: Debinha (COVID Protocol ), Vanessa DiBernardo (Concussion), Hanna Glas (L Knee – D45), Morgan Gautrat, (Concussion), Claire Lavogez (R Knee – SEI), Sam Mewis (R Knee – SEI), Desiree Scott (L Knee – D45), Jordan Silkowitz (L. Hand), Mallory Weber (R Knee – SEI)

Prediction: KC – 2; HOU – 1