Kansas City Current vs North Carolina Courage: Current aim to cap August with another strong home showing
The Kansas City Current sit atop the NWSL table at 14-2-1 with 43 points, while the North Carolina Courage are in ninth place at 5-6-6 for 21 points as Week 18 actions return to KC’s home turf at CPKC Stadium.
Current form has them brimming with confidence after a 2-0 victory in Portland, extending their road-wins streak to six and their shutout run to five straight. Temwa Chawinga continues to lead the line as the league’s most prolific scorer with 11 goals this season, and Lorena has been rock-solid at the back with nine clean sheets.
The Courage arrive off a pulsating 3-3 draw in Chicago. Jaedyn Shaw found the net, and Meredith Speck marked her 100th appearance with an assist, but defensive lapses cost them as they settled for a point.
How to watch
The match will be streamed live on ION and Tubi in the United States, with live updates available from GOAL.
Kick-off and venue
The game is set for Saturday, August 30, at 7:30 pm ET, at CPKC Stadium.
Team news
Kansas City Current will be without several key players: Alana Cook (knee), Kristen Hamilton (hip), Vanessa DiBernardo (maternity leave), Clare Gagne (head), and Gabrielle Robinson (suspension). North Carolina Courage have no reported sidelined players ahead of this fixture.
Key players to watch
– Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City) continues to pace the league with 11 goals and two assists, and she added to her tally in Portland to keep her Golden Boot bid alive.
– Lorena (KC) has been a defensive cornerstone with nine clean sheets this season, contributing to a league-best 10 shutouts and only 10 goals conceded.
– Jaedyn Shaw (NC Courage) remains a constant threat and, if she produces again, could join an elite group as the fourth player to score or assist against every active NWSL club.
Form and stakes
Kansas City’s season-long dominance—especially at home and on the road—has them in a strong position as they look to finish August on a high note. North Carolina, hungry to climb the standings, will need to tighten defensively and unlock the KC back line to derail the league leaders.
Additional context
This clash pits a relentless Current defense against a Courage attack capable of producing moments of inspiration. With Shaw’s ongoing productivity and Chawinga’s all-around influence up front, fans can expect an open, competitive contest.
Summary
A pivotal Week 18 matchup that could further tilt the balance at the top of the table, as Kansas City seeks to cap August with another win and NC Courage aim to disrupt the home side’s momentum.
Positive takeaway
If KC can maintain their defensive discipline and leverage Chawinga’s scoring touch, they’ll reinforce their status as title contenders while sending a message to the rest of the league.