As the NWSL regular season draws to a close and the playoffs loom large on the horizon, one team is making a statement louder than any other: the Kansas City Current. Despite missing star striker Temwa Chawinga, the Current put on an offensive clinic in their 3-1 dismantling of the Chicago Red Stars, setting a new NWSL single-season record with a staggering 54 goals.
While much has been made of KC’s defensive improvements this season, it was their high-powered attack that stole the show over the weekend. Nichelle Prince and Michelle Cooper kept the goals flowing, serving as a potent reminder that even without their Golden Boot winner, this team’s offensive prowess is second to none. As they head into the postseason as the odds-on favorite to hoist the NWSL Championship trophy, the rest of the league has been put on notice.
Spirit Rise, Pride Reset
Nipping at KC’s heels are the surging Washington Spirit, fresh off a statement 1-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage. Ashley Hatch’s goal secured the second seed for the Spirit, who showed no fear in ending the Courage’s unbeaten home streak. With Hal Hershfelt shining between the posts just days after her first USWNT start, Washington is peaking at precisely the right time.
The Shield-winning Orlando Pride, meanwhile, are hoping to use the international break to regroup before their playoff run. Though they edged out the Seattle Reign 3-2 thanks to a vintage performance from the ageless Marta, the Pride looked a bit shaky down the stretch. For a team with championship aspirations, fine-tuning their form will be crucial.
Thorns Send Off Sinclair in Style
With Portland Thorns legend Christine Sinclair likely playing her final match in the Rose City, emotions ran high during the team’s 3-0 triumph over Angel City FC. Fittingly, Sinclair found the back of the net in her farewell regular-season appearance, with budding stars Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver also joining the scoresheet. The win showcased the past, present, and future of Portland’s attacking might. Now, the Thorns are hoping to extend Sinclair’s storied career with a deep playoff push.
Courage Concerns, Red Stars Reeling
On the flip side, the North Carolina Courage’s listless offensive performance against the Spirit raises questions about their playoff readiness. Managing just five shots and struggling to progress the ball, the Courage couldn’t find an equalizer after conceding early to Ashley Hatch. As the fifth seed, they’ll need to rediscover their attacking spark to make noise in the postseason.
Elsewhere in the NWSL
- Gotham FC secured the third seed with a 4-1 rout of Utah, powered by braces from Mandy Freeman and Esther González.
- Bay FC capped their strong expansion season with a playoff-clinching 3-2 win over Houston, thanks to Racheal Kundananji’s scintillating performance.
- San Diego’s Jaedyn Shaw scored a fluky goal and María Sánchez curled in a sublime free kick to sink Racing Louisville 3-1 in a match that was bizarrely relocated due to an unsafe pitch at Snapdragon Stadium, a fitting end to the Wave’s up-and-down campaign.
As the NWSL playoffs kick off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Kansas City’s juggernaut attack power them to the promised land? Will the Spirit’s late-season surge propel them to a second star? Or will an unexpected contender emerge from the pack? One thing’s for certain: with the level of talent on display, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Buckle up, soccer fans – it’s playoff time.
Elsewhere in the NWSL
- Gotham FC secured the third seed with a 4-1 rout of Utah, powered by braces from Mandy Freeman and Esther González.
- Bay FC capped their strong expansion season with a playoff-clinching 3-2 win over Houston, thanks to Racheal Kundananji’s scintillating performance.
- San Diego’s Jaedyn Shaw scored a fluky goal and María Sánchez curled in a sublime free kick to sink Racing Louisville 3-1 in a match that was bizarrely relocated due to an unsafe pitch at Snapdragon Stadium, a fitting end to the Wave’s up-and-down campaign.
As the NWSL playoffs kick off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Kansas City’s juggernaut attack power them to the promised land? Will the Spirit’s late-season surge propel them to a second star? Or will an unexpected contender emerge from the pack? One thing’s for certain: with the level of talent on display, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Buckle up, soccer fans – it’s playoff time.
The Chicago Red Stars, too, are limping into the playoffs after a third straight loss to a top-four side. Conceding three goals in the opening 33 minutes against Kansas City exposed defensive frailties that could prove costly on the road in the win-or-go-home playoff format.
Elsewhere in the NWSL
- Gotham FC secured the third seed with a 4-1 rout of Utah, powered by braces from Mandy Freeman and Esther González.
- Bay FC capped their strong expansion season with a playoff-clinching 3-2 win over Houston, thanks to Racheal Kundananji’s scintillating performance.
- San Diego’s Jaedyn Shaw scored a fluky goal and María Sánchez curled in a sublime free kick to sink Racing Louisville 3-1 in a match that was bizarrely relocated due to an unsafe pitch at Snapdragon Stadium, a fitting end to the Wave’s up-and-down campaign.
As the NWSL playoffs kick off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Kansas City’s juggernaut attack power them to the promised land? Will the Spirit’s late-season surge propel them to a second star? Or will an unexpected contender emerge from the pack? One thing’s for certain: with the level of talent on display, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Buckle up, soccer fans – it’s playoff time.
The Chicago Red Stars, too, are limping into the playoffs after a third straight loss to a top-four side. Conceding three goals in the opening 33 minutes against Kansas City exposed defensive frailties that could prove costly on the road in the win-or-go-home playoff format.
Elsewhere in the NWSL
- Gotham FC secured the third seed with a 4-1 rout of Utah, powered by braces from Mandy Freeman and Esther González.
- Bay FC capped their strong expansion season with a playoff-clinching 3-2 win over Houston, thanks to Racheal Kundananji’s scintillating performance.
- San Diego’s Jaedyn Shaw scored a fluky goal and María Sánchez curled in a sublime free kick to sink Racing Louisville 3-1 in a match that was bizarrely relocated due to an unsafe pitch at Snapdragon Stadium, a fitting end to the Wave’s up-and-down campaign.
As the NWSL playoffs kick off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Kansas City’s juggernaut attack power them to the promised land? Will the Spirit’s late-season surge propel them to a second star? Or will an unexpected contender emerge from the pack? One thing’s for certain: with the level of talent on display, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Buckle up, soccer fans – it’s playoff time.
