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Kansas City Current Name Chris Armas as New Head Coach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 23:31 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: Missouri, California, UNITED STATES

Kansas City, MO - February 1st, 2026 - The Kansas City Current have officially ushered in a new chapter, announcing Chris Armas as their head coach, succeeding Laura Harvey. The move comes after Harvey's successful, yet ultimately concluded, tenure with the club, and positions the Current for continued contention in the increasingly competitive National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Armas, now 52, arrives in Kansas City with a diverse coaching resume, encompassing experience with both the men's and women's game at the highest levels. While his time with the U.S. Men's National Team was brief, his previous success with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer offers a track record of building competitive teams and fostering player growth. This blend of experience and tactical acumen appears to be what Kansas City's General Manager Ally Turner was seeking in a new leader.

Harvey's departure leaves a significant void. She guided the Current to the NWSL Championship game in 2023, a testament to her leadership and tactical prowess. Her playoff appearances in both 2022 and 2023 cemented the Current as a perennial contender. However, the club seems confident in a smooth transition, retaining Harvey as a club advisor, suggesting a desire to leverage her institutional knowledge and maintain continuity within the organization. This is a smart move by the Current, allowing them to benefit from Harvey's understanding of the league and the Current's specific player dynamics.

While Armas' tenure with the USMNT ended after only ten games, it's crucial to contextualize that experience. Taking over the national team is a uniquely challenging position, and immediate results are often unrealistic. His subsequent time spent analyzing the game and refining his coaching philosophy likely provided valuable lessons, making him a more seasoned and prepared leader.

The core of Armas' coaching philosophy, as highlighted by Turner, is a commitment to player development and tactical innovation. In a league overflowing with talent, maximizing individual potential and creating a dynamic, adaptable game plan are paramount. The Current already boast a roster brimming with exciting young players, and Armas' focus on development could unlock even greater potential, transforming promising prospects into NWSL stars. This emphasis on nurturing talent will be particularly important as the NWSL continues to grow and attract a wider pool of international players.

Furthermore, tactical flexibility is becoming increasingly vital in the NWSL. Teams are constantly evolving their approaches, and a coach who can anticipate and counter opposing strategies is crucial for sustained success. Armas' history at the Red Bulls demonstrates a willingness to experiment with formations and playing styles, making him well-suited to the demands of the modern game.

The NWSL landscape has changed dramatically since the league's inception. Increased investment, growing media coverage, and expanding fan bases have elevated the level of competition. This heightened intensity necessitates a coach who can handle pressure and inspire their team to perform at their best. Armas will need to quickly establish a strong rapport with the Current's players and instill a winning mentality.

The Current's 2026 season kicks off on March 16th with a challenging match against the Portland Thorns, a perennial powerhouse in the NWSL. This early-season test will provide a valuable opportunity for Armas to implement his tactical vision and assess his team's readiness. The Thorns game will be a significant indicator of whether the Current's transition has been successful.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Current appear poised for continued success under Armas' leadership. The combination of a talented roster, a strong organizational structure, and a forward-thinking coach creates a recipe for contention. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the Current's ambition is clear: to bring a championship to Kansas City.