As the NWSL regular season nears its conclusion, the Kansas City Current is on a remarkable streak, demonstrating their prowess as they head into the final stretch of matches. Unlike teams eliminated from playoff contention that play the role of “spoiler,” the Current is riding a wave of success, having secured the top seed in the playoffs. This situation has strangely positioned them to impact the playoff chances of their opponents, as they continue to dominate.
Over the last few weeks, the Current has delivered decisive victories against teams with imminent playoff aspirations. They recently eliminated the Chicago Stars from postseason contention and disrupted Angel City’s playoff bid. Their latest match ended with a shutout victory over Gotham FC, further solidifying their formidable reputation.
This weekend, Kansas City will travel to Houston for what could be another spoiler scenario. The Houston Dash, currently at the bottom of the playoff race, desperately needs a win to stay in contention. If the Current achieves victory or even a draw, it will significantly hinder Houston’s slim chances.
The stakes are high for the Dash, who are facing a daunting challenge. They need to secure six points in their remaining matches and rely on other teams to falter to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately for Houston, they have struggled in recent outings, losing three of their last five matches after a promising unbeaten stretch following the league’s summer break. The distractions of a potential ownership sale might also be weighing on the players, adding an extra layer of complexity to their current situation.
In contrast, the Kansas City Current has been nothing short of dominant this season. They have set numerous records, including total wins, points per game, and the fewest goals allowed, showcasing their status as a well-oiled machine. Their impressive unbeaten streak spans 19 matches across all competitions, a testament to their consistency and talent.
Both teams will have additional representation on the international stage soon, as several players from each club have been called up to their respective national teams for upcoming friendlies. This includes the Current sending players to compete against Portugal and New Zealand, while the Dash will be represented by two athletes for the USWNT.
As the match approaches, the Current appears set to maintain their momentum, with the opportunity to further showcase their depth. Despite the lack of immediate stakes for them in this specific match, their focus remains on performance and keeping their winning spirit alive, even against a team fighting for survival.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, at 6:30 PM Central Time at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. With both teams facing off in such dramatically different circumstances, fans can expect an intense and pivotal match that could shape the playoff landscape in the coming weeks.