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NWSL — Women's Football

Kansas City emerges as the NWSL’s breakout title contender

Week 23 delivered late drama across the league, but Kansas City’s record-setting win in LA sealed their rise from dark horse to NWSL frontrunner.

,   and  The Pitchside US Staff
2 min read
KC Current celebrates goal in Los Angeles vs. Angel City (KC Current / Instagram)

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Week 23 in the NWSL flipped the script — late goals, comeback heroics, and record-setting performances dominated the weekend slate. But amid the chaos, one truth came into sharp focus:

Kansas City isn’t just playoff-bound — they’re the team to beat.

Let’s break it down.

⚡ Kansas City’s Statement Win in LA

Under the lights at BMO Stadium, the Kansas City Current delivered a performance that was both clinical and historic. Michelle Cooper’s lightning-fast goal — just 20 seconds after stepping onto the pitch — sealed a gritty 1-0 road win over Angel City FC. It was the fastest goal by a substitute in league history, the product of pure striker’s instinct as she buried Hailey Hopkins’ low cross.

But this win wasn’t just about attacking flair. It was about grit. Kansas City’s backline stayed composed under pressure, and goalkeeper Lorena was once again sensational — making multiple highlight-reel stops en route to her 13th shutout of the season, tying the NWSL single-season record.

With 19 wins on the year, the Current now holds yet another league milestone — and the statement couldn’t be louder.

🌀 Elsewhere in the League: Late Drama Everywhere

  • Washington Spirit 2–1 San Diego Wave
    Rosemonde Kouassi delivered a jaw-dropping brace, including a stoppage-time rocket to win it.
  • Portland Thorns 2–1 Bay FC
    Olivia Moultrie flipped the match with two second-half goals, eliminating Bay from playoff contention.
  • Racing Louisville 3–1 North Carolina Courage
    Emma Sears and Kayla Fischer helped Louisville snap through in Cary — a vital playoff push.
  • Houston Dash 1–1 Orlando Pride
    Simone Charley netted her first NWSL goal since 2022, completing a stirring comeback from injury.
  • Gotham FC 0–0 Seattle Reign
    A tense playoff-caliber draw. Gotham extended their unbeaten run to 11; Ann-Katrin Berger earned her 10th clean sheet.
  • Chicago Stars 2–2 Utah Royals
    Rookie Micayla Johnson struck late to cancel out Mina Tanaka’s brace and rescue a point.

Kansas City Isn’t Just Hot — They’re Historic

Plenty of clubs showed fire in Week 23. But no one matched Kansas City’s mix of structure, resilience, and killer instinct. They’re not just surging — they’re rewriting the record book.

With the postseason fast approaching, the Current have seized control of the NWSL narrative — and they’re not letting go.

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