Struggling KC Current Host Reigning Champs Gotham FC

Two teams looking to turn their seasons around meet in a rematch of last year's playoff clash.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:04am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a women's soccer match, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.Two NWSL powerhouses clash in a pivotal early-season matchup, with both teams desperate to turn their seasons around.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Current, last year's NWSL Shield winners, have stumbled out of the gate in 2026 and sit in 13th place with a 1-0-3 record. Meanwhile, the reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC have also struggled, sitting in 9th place with a 1-2-1 record. The two teams will meet on Saturday in a rematch of last year's playoff clash, which Gotham won on their way to the title.

Why it matters

This match pits two teams with high expectations that have underperformed so far this season. Both squads have star-studded rosters, but have failed to find their form early on. The winner of this match will gain crucial momentum and potentially kickstart their season, while the loser will face an uphill battle to turn things around.

The details

The Current's struggles can be attributed to key offseason departures, including the loss of star striker Bia and defensive midfielder Claire Hutton. They've also been without two-time league MVP Temwa Chawinga due to injury. Gotham, meanwhile, boasts a roster full of international stars like Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, and Esther González, but has also failed to find consistency early in the year.

  • The Current and Gotham last met in the 2025 NWSL playoffs, with Gotham upsetting the hosts on their way to the championship.
  • This Saturday's match will kick off at 3:00 PM Central Time at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The players

Temwa Chawinga

The two-time NWSL MVP, who has been sidelined with an injury to start the 2026 season.

Rose Lavelle

One of Gotham's star-studded international players, a key part of the U.S. Women's National Team.

Claire Hutton

The defensive midfielder who departed KC in the offseason, now playing for Bay FC.

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What’s next

The winner of Saturday's match will gain crucial momentum and potentially kickstart their season, while the loser will face an uphill battle to turn things around.

The takeaway

This match between two underperforming powerhouses will be a crucial early-season test, with both teams looking to prove they can still be contenders in the NWSL.