Match Preview: Kansas City Current remains on playoff hunt in the nation’s capital against the Washington Spirit

The Kansas City Current remain on the road this week as the team heads to the east coast for a crucial late season match against the Washington Spirit. Kicking off at 6 p.m. CT, the match will broadcast locally on KMCI, 38 The Spot and KC Current Radio with Lisa Carlin and Dave Borchardt. Nationally, Maura Sheridan and Jillian Loyden will have the call on Paramount+.

Kansas City continues to climb the league table and is only four points out of playoff position with three games to play. The team has earned points in three of the past four regular season matches and six of the past eight across all competitions. Last time out, the Current stunned then first-place San Diego Wave with a 2-1 victory. Midfielder Debinha set the tone early with a rocket from outside the penalty box that was in the back of the net before the defense had a chance to react. Forward Kristen Hamilton scored her 25th career regular season score in the 22nd minute for what would be the game-winning goal. 

Washington comes into the match without a win in the past seven regular season matches (three draws, four losses). The Spirit were blanked 2-0 by NJ/NY Gotham on September 16, getting only four shots on target in the match. Since June 23, the Spirit have only scored six goals while allowing 14. Despite these stats, Washington boasts some of the most dangerous attackers in the NWSL. Ashley Hatch leads the team and is second in the league with nine goals. She is followed by Ashley Sanchez (5) and Trinity Rodman (4). In addition, the Spirit recently acquired French international forward Ouleymata Sarr. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas City Current forward Alexa Spaanstra – Spaanstra was selected by the Current in the 2023 NWSL Draft to provide depth up front and push opposing defenses with her speed. Heading into the end of her rookie season, she is turning some heads on the field. She has 12 appearances for the Current this season.

Washington Spirit forward Ouleymata Sarr – Sarr joined the Spirit in June of this season after playing the past ten years in France. She scored 16 goals in her last two seasons with Paris FC and will only add to the Spirit attack that has scored 24 goals on the season. 

TURNING POINT
This is the second match of the season between these two teams. In the June 18 match, Current forward Michelle Cooper set a new club record by scoring the first goal only 22 seconds into the match. Debinha added a penalty kick in the 23rd minute to double the lead. Despite allowing a score late in the opening half, the Current looked to be on the way to a home victory late in the match. However, Washington was able to find two quick goals in the last ten minutes of the match to steal away the win. That was the last time Washington found themselves in the win column of a regular season match, while Kansas City has found points in five of the seven matches (four wins, one draw) since that match.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
The Current have a busy week traveling to play the Spirit Saturday, then home the next Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars. In between those two matches, Kansas City will welcome some international flair with a friendly against Liga MX Femenil powerhouse CF Monterrey Wednesday, October 4. This is the first international club friendly for the Current and will provide a great chance to expand the club’s reach while playing against one of the best teams outside of the NWSL. Wednesday’s match at Children’s Mercy Park will kick off at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are available at kansascitycurrent.com/tickets.