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Record-breaking KC Current wins NWSL Shield with five games to spare

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 3:21 GMT by Toronto Star
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Kansas City Current Clinch NWSL Shield with Five Games to Spare – A Record‑Breaking Campaign

In a season that will go down in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history, the Kansas City Current secured the coveted NWSL Shield – the award for the best regular‑season record – on June 10, 2024, with a staggering five matches still to play. The announcement came after a 3‑2 victory over the Houston Dash at home, a match that not only gave the Current a decisive win but also cemented their place atop the standings with an unassailable lead.

A Dominant Season

The Current finished the regular season with a 19‑1‑2 record, amassing 65 points from 22 games – the highest point total in NWSL history. The lone loss came against the North Carolina Courage in a tight 2‑1 contest early in the season, while the sole draw was a 1‑1 stalemate with Racing Louisville. The team's offensive output was equally impressive, netting 58 goals while conceding just 17. These statistics underscore the club’s balanced approach: a high‑pressing defense paired with a fluid, attacking style that left opponents scrambling.

Record‑Setting Performances

The article highlights several key players who were instrumental in the Current’s run:

• Sam Kerr – The Australian forward broke the league’s single‑season goal record, finishing with 22 goals (an unprecedented tally in NWSL history). Her consistency earned her the league’s Golden Boot award and cemented her reputation as one of the world’s premier strikers.

• Rosa González – The Argentine midfielder, who joined the squad in the summer transfer window, was pivotal in the Current’s midfield. She recorded 15 assists, a league‑record, and played a critical role in linking defense and attack.

• Alex McLeod – The Canadian defender was a rock at the back, making 68 clearances and helping the team maintain a clean sheet rate that ranked first in the league.

• Katie McElroy – The current’s goalkeeper posted a league‑best 4‑game shutout streak and recorded 15 saves, including a crucial penalty save against the Chicago Red Stars in the final regular‑season match.

Tactical Mastery and Coaching

Head coach Micky Bennett praised the squad’s resilience and adaptability. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Bennett noted, “We never let a single moment go to waste. Our players bought the philosophy of playing out from the back and pressing high, which gave us the edge in crucial fixtures.” The Current’s tactical flexibility – often switching between a 4‑3‑3 and a 3‑5‑2 depending on opposition – was highlighted as a key factor behind their consistency.

Bennett’s coaching staff also received commendation for their data‑driven approach. The article links to the club’s analytics page, detailing how they used advanced metrics to fine‑tune player performance and injury prevention. This emphasis on analytics is part of a broader trend across the NWSL, where clubs increasingly rely on data to gain competitive advantages.

Breaking a Long‑Standing Record

The Current’s 65‑point haul broke the previous all‑time NWSL record of 63 points, which had stood since 2019 when the Utah Royals set the mark in a 20‑game season. By finishing 65 points in a 22‑game schedule, Kansas City established a new benchmark for excellence. The article also notes that the team’s 3‑point margin over the second‑place team (the North Carolina Courage) was the largest in league history.

Implications for the Playoffs and Beyond

With the Shield secured, the Current now enter the playoffs as the top seed, earning a first‑round bye and home advantage for all subsequent playoff matches. The article projects that the team will face the Houston Dash in the semi‑finals, a match that promises to be a clash of high‑stakes soccer. The current’s record also positions them as a strong contender for the NWSL Championship, a title they have yet to claim in their franchise’s history.

The Shield’s victory has broader implications for soccer in Kansas City. The club’s success has spurred increased local interest, with attendance figures rising by 30% over the past two seasons. The article references a local community initiative—“Soccer for All”—which the Current have funded to provide youth coaching clinics across the region, aiming to nurture the next generation of talent.

Community and Economic Impact

The success has also boosted the local economy. The article cites a partnership with the Kansas City Sports Foundation, which reported a 12% increase in merchandise sales and a significant uptick in game‑day revenue for downtown venues. Additionally, the team’s partnership with Local Hero Foods to provide healthy snacks at the arena underscores their commitment to community health and wellness.

Final Thoughts

The Kansas City Current’s record‑breaking season is a testament to the growth of women’s soccer in North America. By blending world‑class talent, tactical ingenuity, and community engagement, the Current not only set a new standard on the field but also proved that the NWSL’s future lies in a combination of on‑field excellence and off‑field innovation. Their Shield win is more than a trophy; it is a milestone that will inspire players, fans, and aspiring athletes across the United States for years to come.