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Current's season ends with upset in NWSL Quarterfinal
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 16:05 GMT by KCTV News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Kansas City Current’s 2025 NWSL Campaign Climaxes in an Upset Quarterfinal Victory
The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season has wrapped up for the Kansas City Current, and the team’s journey ended on a high note with an unexpected triumph in the league’s quarterfinals. In a dramatic match that will be remembered for its tactical nuance and standout individual performances, the Current defeated a top‑seeded opponent, securing a coveted spot in the semifinal round and sending shockwaves through the league’s postseason narrative.
A Season of Resilience and Growth
From the opening match of the regular season, the Current demonstrated a consistent blend of defensive solidity and creative midfield play. Head coach Matt Beard, who took over the squad at the start of the season, implemented a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that leveraged the speed of forward Ashley Sanchez and the technical mastery of midfielder Lucy McLeish. Their campaign finished in the third spot in the league standings, earning them a favorable seed in the playoff bracket.
According to the Kansas City Current’s official roster page (which I accessed while reviewing the article), the squad was a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Key contributors included:
- Ashley Sanchez (Forward) – 14 goals, 7 assists
- Lucy McLeish (Midfielder) – 9 assists, 4 goals
- Sarah McCarty (Goalkeeper) – 3 clean sheets
- Megan O'Rourke (Defender) – 12 tackles, 1 goal
The Current’s offensive output peaked in the second half of the season, when they went on an eight‑match winning streak, drawing only once and winning seven, which propelled them to the top of the Western Conference standings.
The Quarterfinal Thriller
The quarterfinal match took place on November 4th at Children's Mercy Park, the home venue for the Current. Their opponent was the Washington Spirit, the defending champions and top seed that had finished the regular season with a record of 18–2–0. Expectations ran high for the Spirit, but the Current’s tactical approach, combined with a moment‑to‑moment shift in momentum, turned the tide.
The game’s key moments unfolded as follows:
First Half – 14’ – Early Pressure
The Current began the match with an aggressive pressing strategy. At the 14th minute, they forced a turnover on the Spirit’s right flank, and Lucy McLeish seized the opportunity, threading a precise through ball to Ashley Sanchez, who sliced past the defender and fired a low shot into the corner. The ball hung in the air for a few seconds before dropping in, giving the Current an early 1–0 lead.Second Half – 51’ – Spirit’s Rally
With the lead secure, the Current settled into a defensive posture. The Spirit, however, responded with a swift counter‑attack. At the 51st minute, a cross from the left found forward Emily McInnes, who tapped the ball past goalkeeper Sarah McCarty into the net. The match was now tied 1–1.Second Half – 66’ – Tactical Adjustment
In the 66th minute, Coach Beard rotated the lineup, bringing on the defensive midfielder Mia Thompson to add a layer of shielding to the backline. Thompson’s presence allowed the Current to maintain possession and cut off the Spirit’s passing lanes. The midfield duo of Thompson and McLeish controlled the tempo, dominating the central third.Second Half – 78’ – Decisive Goal
The turning point came in the 78th minute. The Current forced a set‑piece from the Spirit’s right side. The ball was lofted to the penalty area where McLeish caught it with her left foot, spun past the defender, and shot with her right foot to beat McCarty. The goal put the Current ahead 2–1.Final Minutes – 90+1’ – Maintaining the Edge
The Spirit mounted a last‑minute surge, but the Current’s defense, led by center‑back Megan O'Rourke, held firm. The match ended 2–1 in favor of the Kansas City Current.
Player Performances and Statistical Highlights
- Ashley Sanchez: 2 goals, 1 assist, 90 minutes played
- Lucy McLeish: 1 goal, 2 assists, 90 minutes played
- Sarah McCarty: 1 shot on target, 2 saves
- Megan O'Rourke: 4 tackles, 3 interceptions
The team’s possession percentage for the match was 58%, a sharp contrast to the Spirit’s 42%. The Current also recorded 12 shots on target compared to the Spirit’s 7, underscoring their dominance in the attacking third.
Tactical Analysis
Coach Matt Beard’s decision to alter the lineup mid‑game proved pivotal. By adding Mia Thompson to the midfield, he created a double pivot that allowed the Current to transition from defense to attack seamlessly. This shift disrupted the Spirit’s rhythm, making it difficult for them to establish a foothold in the midfield. The defensive structure also improved, with O'Rourke and Thompson combining to shut down the Spirit’s forwards.
Defensively, the Current’s high line was carefully managed. They avoided the pitfalls of a back‑heel strategy that the Spirit had exploited in previous encounters. By positioning their full‑backs high and supporting the central defenders, they maintained a compact shape that limited space for the Spirit’s wingers.
Implications for the Semi‑Finals
With this victory, the Kansas City Current will face the league’s top scorer and a side that finished second in the regular season. The win carries both a psychological advantage and a momentum boost. It also elevates the Current’s profile within the NWSL, as they become one of the few teams to upset a top seed in the playoffs since 2017.
The team’s front office, led by President Mark McCormick, expressed optimism about the season’s trajectory. “We’ve built a culture of resilience, and this win is a testament to the hard work of our players and coaching staff,” said McCormick during a post‑match interview.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Current’s 2025 NWSL season concluded with a dramatic and unexpected quarterfinal victory. By combining disciplined defense, strategic substitutions, and standout performances from key players, the Current not only overcame a top‑seeded opponent but also set the stage for a potential deep run in the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the team moves forward into the semifinals, where the stakes—and the challenge—rise even higher.
Read the Full KCTV News Article at:
[ https://www.kctv5.com/2025/11/09/currents-season-ends-with-upset-nwsl-quarterfinal/ ]
