Kansas City Current at San Diego Wave

When: Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 p.m. Central
Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
How to Watch: 38 the Spot; ION Television

Head-to-Head:

Record
Current: 1-0-0
Wave: 0-0-0

Last Result
Current: 5-4 Win vs Portland Thorns
Wave: 1-0 Win at NJ/NY Gotham (Challenge Cup)

Preview

To say the vibes are high is an understatement. The Current are coming off a high-octane, high-energy, high-scoring and historic affair against a highly competitive squad in the inaugural match at CPKC Stadium.

The club now takes that momentum into matchday 2 for their first road test of the season, and what a test it will be. Reigning NWSL Shield winners San Diego won last week in the new NWSL Challenge Cup on the road and walked away with a 1-0 win thanks to an Alex Morgan goal in the dying embers of the match. This will mark the opening of their NWSL slate.

Once again, the Current will face a team loaded with USWNT talent. The San Diego Wave boast four players who were called up for the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup championship run:

• F Alex Morgan
• F Jaedyn Shaw
• D Naomi Girma
• D Ally Dahlkemper

Additionally, GK Kailen Sheridan is coming off an impressive performance in the Gold Cup and midfielder Emily van Egmond and defender Kaitlyn Torpey have been called up for the Australian women’s national team for a friendly in April.

If that isn’t enough, former Current attacker Elyse Bennett will be chomping at the bit to play her old club.

That being said, the Current were able to score five against Portland who boast an equally as impressive roster. Keep in mind, the Current also have a lineup clad with Gold Cup runners-up. The additions the Current proved that while firing on all cylinders, they can score with the best of them.

Unfortunately, one more of those cylinders will not be there on Saturday.

Cooper, Prince and Debinha are all expected to be out through the international break in early April. #nwsl #kcbaby

— Thad (@TheBackpost) March 20, 2024

Debinha’s absence will definitely be felt, particularly in the attack.

After the matchday 1 victory, Vlatko himself mentioned that when the Brazilian left the game, the Current lost control of the tempo of the match.

Vlatko said Debinha, Bia and Vanessa were three of the main players controlling the tempo of the game. When they came out, Portland took advantage and mounted a comeback. #KCBaby

— Jimmy Mack (@jcmack03) March 16, 2024

Debinha is expected to be out until after the upcoming international break, so finding a replacement for her tenacity in the attack will be at the top of mind for Vlatko. To add insult to injury, defender Hailie Mace will also miss the matchup with the Wave. A veteran leader who will also leave a gap that will need to be filled. Izzy Rodriguez would be my candidate to fill in at that spot.

Official KC Current Injury Report vs. San Diego:

OUT: Michelle Cooper (calf), Debinha (hamstring), Hanna Glas – SEI (knee), Hailie Mace (hip), Nichelle Prince (calf),
Desiree Scott – SEI (knee), Mallory Weber – SEI (knee)#KCBaby

— Cindy Lara (@cinderL9) March 22, 2024

It’s not all bad news for the Current, though. Bia showed to be a menace up front in the matchday 1, even coming away with a goal in her debut. And who can forget about Temwa Chawinga! Expect more minutes the Malawian made her debut in the 63rd minute and was a thorn in Portland’s side almost immediately.

Defensively, it is hard to judge given that Portland’s last three goals came in the last 20 minutes after the lead was 5-1 thanks to teenage star Alex Pfieffer. That being said, it would be foolish to think that letting the Wave stick around late is good idea. It could prove costly against a team who is looking to repeat as shield winners.

The duo of Elizabeth Ball and Gabrielle Robinson combines strength and speed that will need to be on full display to rain on San Diego’s parade.

Prediction

The season is young and there is A LOT to look forward to with this club. I think the Current will put on another great performance against a top club, but the absence of Debinha worries me.

1-1 Draw