Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:43 am GMT
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A crucial face-off looms as the Kansas City Current heads to Orlando for a match against the undefeated Orlando Pride this Friday, September 12, at 7 p.m. CT. This highly anticipated rematch follows the teams’ last encounter, where the Pride emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win. As both teams jockey for playoff positioning in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), fans are eager to see how this match affects the playoff landscape.
Player Availability Report
Kansas City Current comes into the match facing several key player updates. For this week’s home match, the team has reported injuries and international duties impacting player availability:
- OUT: Grace Chanda (thigh injury), Simone Charley (leg injury), Mariana Larroquette (thigh injury), Luana (illness), Sofia Manner (concussion), Megan Montefusco (heel injury), Rafaelle (foot injury)
- QUESTIONABLE: None
- INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Ally Lemos (USA)
Current Team Performance
The Current, with a record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, currently holds third place in the NWSL standings with 38 points. They bolstered their confidence last weekend with a 1-0 victory over the Utah Royals, a match where goalkeeper Almuth Schult delivered a standout performance featuring six crucial saves. The Current’s defense, led by Alana Cook and Kayla Sharples, secured the team’s first shutout since late June.
Forward Temwa Chawinga has been in exceptional form, having scored the game-winning goal against Utah, bringing her total to 15 goals this season. This puts her in the lead for the NWSL Golden Boot and ties her with Lo’eau LaBonta for the franchise record for career goals in NWSL regular season play. With eight consecutive games scoring, Chawinga is just three goals shy of matching the league’s all-time scoring record.
Orlando Pride Dominance
The Orlando Pride has been a formidable force this season, boasting an impressive record of 14 wins and 5 draws, placing them at the top of the NWSL standings with 47 points. The Pride’s recent performance against the Chicago Red Stars, highlighted by a 1-0 victory, maintains their undefeated run, extending their overall unbeaten streak to 20 games.
Forward Marta was instrumental in last weekend’s win, scoring the only goal with a stunning long-range effort in the 37th minute. Having already secured a spot in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, the Pride continues to demonstrate their strength on the field.
Rivalry Renewed
This match marks a renewed rivalry as both teams look to assert their dominance in the league. The previous matchup, a tightly contested game on July 6, ended in a 2-1 victory for Orlando, showcasing intense competition with 29 fouls and seven yellow cards. This encounter was a testament to the rivalry between the teams and set the stage for a charged rematch.
Since the last meeting, Kansas City has made several notable changes, including the acquisitions of Cook and Sharples to strengthen their defense and Schult’s addition as goalkeeper. Meanwhile, forward Bia Zaneratto returns to the squad, adding depth to the attacking line.
Key Players to Watch
Kansas City Current
Temwa Chawinga stands out as a player to watch, not only for her current scoring tally but also for her potential to break NWSL records. As she continues to excel, her performance will be crucial for the Current’s success against the Pride.
Orlando Pride
Barbra Banda from the Orlando Pride is another key player to observe, having consistently challenged Chawinga for the Golden Boot with 12 goals so far this season. Banda’s previous goal against Kansas City in July sets her up as a dangerous asset in the upcoming match.
Playoff Implications
With seven matches remaining in the NWSL regular season, the playoff picture is beginning to crystallize. The Current has an opportunity to solidify its postseason chances over the next few weeks. To secure a playoff spot by the end of this week, Kansas City must defeat Orlando. Additionally, either the North Carolina Courage must draw or lose against Bay FC, or NJ/NY Gotham needs to win against Seattle while Chicago must win or tie at Portland, or Racing Louisville must draw or win against Angel City.
Tough Road Ahead
This contest marks the beginning of a challenging stretch for the Current as they face all of the other top teams in the NWSL standings. Following the match against Orlando, Kansas City will host the second-place Washington Spirit and then face fourth-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. These crucial matches could significantly impact the playoff race as the season draws to a close.
Kansas City is getting ready for an important game, and it’s a big deal! Fans can catch all the excitement on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re in the area, you can also listen to the game on 90.9 The Bridge or through the KC Current App, which has options in both English and Spanish. How this match turns out could really affect both teams as they try to make it into the NWSL playoffs.
