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Reign have chance to beat NWSL's best -- again

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 20:10 GMT by Seattle Times
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What to Watch When OL Reign Hosts Kansas City Current

The 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, and few matchups promise to deliver the drama and skill that fans crave quite like the upcoming showdown between OL Reign and Kansas City Current. The two teams have both carved out distinctive identities over the past season: Reign’s relentless pressing and high‑tempo build‑up play versus Current’s disciplined, counter‑attack‑oriented approach. The Seattle‑based club has a home‑court advantage at Lumen Field, but the match is anything but predictable. Below, we break down the key storylines and tactical battles that are poised to define this encounter.

1. Team Context and Recent Form

OL Reign have been in excellent form, sitting in the top tier of the standings after a late‑season surge that has seen them win six of their last eight games. Their success has been driven by a cohesive midfield core and a defense that has become one of the most stingy in the league, conceding just 1.2 goals per game in the last stretch. Offensively, the Reign have struggled to convert chances into goals, averaging only 1.1 shots per minute—a metric that will be closely monitored when they face a Current defense that has improved its shot‑saving rate from 68% to 75% this season.

Kansas City Current have also been on an upward trajectory. After a slow start to the season, the Current have found rhythm under head coach Lisa Boudreaux, winning four of their last five matches. Their attack, powered by a new signing—midfielder Maya Kahn—has started to click, with Kahn already recording two assists in her first three games. Current’s defensive line, while still vulnerable to set‑pieces, has shown resilience in high‑pressure situations, and their full‑backs are renowned for contributing to the attack—a factor that could be a decisive advantage at home.

2. Key Player Matchups

Erin McLeod (OL Reign GK) vs. Megan Rapinoe (Kansas City Current Forward)
McLeod, the veteran goalkeeper with over 70 NWSL appearances, has maintained a league‑best save percentage of 78% this season. Rapinoe, known for her lethal left‑foot strike and set‑piece prowess, is the Current’s most prolific goal‑scorer. McLeod will have to be prepared for Rapinoe’s aerial threats and quick release shots from the perimeter.

Megan Rapinoe (Kansas City Current GK) vs. Ashley Hall (OL Reign Forward)
Kansas City’s new goalkeeper, Megan Rapinoe—who won the NWSL Golden Glove last season—has a strong record of shot‑stopper ability. She faces Reign’s attacking talisman, Ashley Hall, who has already netted 12 goals this season. The duel will test both goalkeepers’ reflexes and positional awareness, particularly as Hall is adept at pulling defenders out of position with her dribbling.

Midfield Battle: Emily Smith (OL Reign) vs. Maya Kahn (Kansas City Current)
Reign’s creative midfielder, Emily Smith, has been the team’s engine, averaging 2.8 key passes per game. Maya Kahn’s arrival has brought a new dimension to Current’s midfield. Kahn’s ability to win duels and distribute from deep will be crucial in breaking Reign’s pressing system.

3. Tactical Themes

Reign’s High‑Press Strategy
OL Reign are renowned for their aggressive pressing immediately after losing possession. In the match against Kansas City, the Reign will likely employ a 4–2–3–1 formation with an elevated midfield press to force turnovers in the opponent’s half. Their pressing will aim to disrupt Current’s build‑up play, forcing the Current’s defenders into hurried decisions.

Kansas City’s Counter‑Attack
Kansas City Current will likely set up in a 3–5–2 formation that emphasizes a solid midfield shield and quick transitions. Their key to success will be exploiting the spaces left by Reign’s forward lines when they commit players forward. The Current’s full‑backs, in particular, will be expected to deliver incisive crosses into the box.

Set‑Piece Vulnerabilities
Both teams have exhibited a slight weakness in defending set‑pieces. Reign’s right‑back, Lila Morrow, has conceded a few corners recently, while Current’s left‑back, Leila Sokol, has been targeted by Reign’s long‑range shots. Watch for each side’s set‑piece routines; a single missed routine could shift the momentum.

4. What to Watch

1. Pressing Efficiency
   How many chances does Reign force against the Current’s backline? The number of turnovers within the Current’s 18‑yard area will serve as a key metric.

2. First‑Half Goal Conversion
   Reign has historically been sluggish early in games; if Current capitalizes on their first half, it could set the tone for the entire match.

3. Cross‑ing and Width
   Both teams have wingers who thrive on crossing. Observe how each side’s wide players manage to deliver the ball under pressure and how the central defenders respond.

4. Injury Updates
   Current’s striker, Kelsey Dittmer, has had a hamstring issue last week. Her absence could affect the Current’s attacking potency, while Reign’s star defender, Megan Rapp, has a minor ankle sprain that may limit her mobility.

5. Historical Context

The Reign and Current last faced each other in a regular‑season fixture last January, with the match ending in a dramatic 2‑1 victory for the Current. In that game, Reign’s midfielder Emily Smith delivered a decisive pass that led to the winning goal. That match underscored the intensity of their rivalry, and fans are eager to see whether Reign can reverse the trend.

6. Final Thoughts

This fixture offers a perfect blend of tactical sophistication, individual brilliance, and the high stakes that define the NWSL. OL Reign will look to extend their winning streak by neutralizing Kansas City’s counter‑attack, while Current will aim to use their speed and precision to exploit any lapses in Reign’s defense. With both teams in a strong form window, the match is expected to be a high‑quality showcase that will excite fans and further elevate the league’s profile. Whether you’re a long‑time supporter or a casual observer, this game promises drama, skill, and the thrilling unpredictability that makes soccer a global phenomenon.