Kansas City Current aiming for back-to-back NWSL wins against the Chicago Red Stars

The Kansas City Current will host the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, looking to secure consecutive NWSL victories for the first time this season. Kansas City are coming off a hard-fought 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage, a result that could finally give the team momentum after an inconsistent start to the 2026 NWSL.

The Current already faced Chicago once this season, falling 2-1 in the Windy City. The Red Stars took control of that match through goals from Tessa Dellarose and Jordyn Huitema on either side of halftime to build a 2-0 advantage. Haley Hopkins pulled a goal back for Kansas City just before the hour mark, but the Current could not find an equalizer.

Neither club enters the weekend in strong form despite Kansas City’s recent win. The Current have won only two of their last five NWSL fixtures, while Chicago have lost four of their previous five matches.

Martin Sjogren’s side enters the weekend sitting 14th in the NWSL standings, although the table remains compact enough that only three points separate the Red Stars from the final playoff spot.

Kansas City sit 11th with nine points from seven matches. The Current are outside the playoff places only on goal difference, showing just how quickly the standings could change with another positive result.

Goals remain an issue for both teams

Goals have been difficult to come by for both clubs throughout the season. Chicago have scored only four goals in eight matches, the fewest in the NWSL. The Red Stars’ defense has struggled as well, conceding 15 times.

Kansas City’s attack has not been much better statistically. The Current have scored seven goals in seven games while conceding 14. Defensive instability continues to be a major issue, with Kansas City allowing an average of 2.0 goals per match, the second-worst figure in the league.

Still, there were encouraging signs against North Carolina. Croix Bethune delivered her best performance of the campaign, scoring once and adding an assist in the victory. Bethune and Michelle Cooper now lead the Current with two goals each this season.

Chicago continue to rely heavily on Huitema, who leads the club with two goals. Ryan Gareis remains the Red Stars’ primary creator with two assists.

The numbers aren’t great

The underlying numbers show why both teams are struggling near the bottom of the standings. Chicago average just 0.5 goals per match and own the second-worst xG in the NWSL at 5.7. The Red Stars also average the fewest shots on target per game in the league with 1.9.

Kansas City’s numbers are only marginally better. The Current rank 13th in goals scored per match at 1.0 and average just 3.6 shots on target per game, placing them 12th in the 16-team league.

Recent matches suggest Saturday could still produce goals. Each of Kansas City’s last three league matches finished with at least three goals scored. Chicago’s recent fixtures have been far tighter, however, with each of their last three ending in 2-0 scorelines.

Historically, the matchup has been evenly contested. The clubs have met 17 times in all competitions, with Kansas City holding a narrow edge of seven wins, four draws, and six losses. The Current were unbeaten in seven of the previous eight meetings before Chicago claimed victory earlier this season.

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