Kansas City Current's Historic Unbeaten Run
The Kansas City Current have cemented their dominance in the National Women's Soccer League with an unprecedented unbeaten streak of 16 matches. This remarkable run includes a record-breaking 19th win for the season, a milestone that has set a new benchmark in the league's history. Their latest victory against Angel City further solidified their position at the top of the NWSL Power Rankings, showcasing their consistency and strength as the postseason approaches.
Key moments in this streak include standout performances and historic achievements. For instance, substitute Michelle Cooper made history with a record-timing goal, while goalkeeper Lorena recorded her 13th shutout of the year. Additionally, players like Mary Long and Alex Pfeiffer earned their first starts, and Lo Labonta celebrated her 150th career regular-season start, highlighting the depth and talent within the squad.
Portland Thorns Finding Form at Crucial Time
While Kansas City continues to dominate, the Portland Thorns are peaking at just the right moment. After a challenging period, including a historically poor run of form, the Thorns have shown resilience with recent victories that signal a potential turnaround. Notably, their win against Bay FC, powered by a second-half brace from Olivia Moultrie, marked a significant boost, with Portland earning 13 points from losing positions this season, the most in the NWSL.
Another highlight for the Thorns was their stunning upset against the Orlando Pride, ending the Pride's 24-game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory. This triumph, their first since July 5, came after 98 days and seven matches without a win, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion against top competition as the playoffs loom.
Playoff Implications and League Standings
As the NWSL regular season nears its conclusion, the performances of both Kansas City and Portland have significant implications for the playoff picture. The Current have already clinched the NWSL Shield, making league history with their consistent excellence. Their lead at the top remains unchallenged, with a gap that seems nearly impossible to close for other contenders.
For the Thorns, their recent surge offers hope for a strong postseason run, though they face stiff competition from teams like NJ/NY Gotham FC, who recently dominated them 3-0, and Washington Spirit, who have secured a playoff spot. With teams like Racing Louisville climbing into playoff contention and Utah Royals continuing their winning ways, the battle for postseason positioning is heating up, promising an exciting finish to the season.