Kansas City Current faces Houston Dash at CPKC Stadium

The NWSL Olympic break has brought a new competition to spice up the season: the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Kansas City Current is preparing to face Houston Dash in a battle that promises to be intense and full of emotions. It’s the start of the group stage of the tournament, which brings together the 14 NWSL teams and the top six teams from Liga MX Femenil, divided into five groups. In Group C, in addition to Current and Dash, we find Pachuca and Tigres UANL, making it the only group with two Liga MX clubs.

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Kansas City enter the competition on the back of an impressive performance in the NWSL regular season, sitting second in the standings and boasting the league’s top scoring attack, with 40 goals in 16 games. In the final game before the break on July 6, Current faced Orlando Pride in a match that was a true battle of undefeated giants. Barbra Banda opened the scoring for the Pride, but Temwa Chawinga, with his unmatched talent, equalized shortly after, scoring his 12th goal of the season. The 2-1 loss to the Pride ended Current’s 18-game unbeaten run, but they are ready to come back strong in the Summer Cup.

The Houston Dash, meanwhile, are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars, snapping a five-game scoreless streak. The Dash’s defense remains solid, however, with the second-most shutouts in the league. The absence of goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who was called up as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team, will pose an additional challenge for the Dash.

This will be the third meeting between Kansas City and Houston this season. The last time they met, on June 28, Current won 2-0, thanks to a brace from Temwa Chawinga in three minutes of the second half. The Dash have yet to break down Current’s defense this season, but Houston’s forward line, featuring players like Ramona Bachmann and Michelle Cooper, should create opportunities in the Summer Cup.

Current’s home stadium, CPKC, will host this and other international Summer Cup matches, featuring top-tier talent. Top players such as Canada’s Nichelle Prince and Brazil’s Lauren will be absent, representing their countries at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In Campbell’s absence, backup goalie Heather Hinz will get a chance to shine. Dash goalie coach Eric Klenofsky has been working hard with the goalies to prepare them for the tournament. The game promises to be a litmus test for Hinz, who will be in the spotlight.

Current’s attack, led by Chawinga, has been relentless this season. Michelle Cooper, known for creating chances and dangerous crosses, will also be a key cog in the attack. Dash’s defense, while solid, will have a big challenge ahead of them to contain Current’s dynamic duo.

Houston Dash enter the competition with a history of international play, including the Women’s International Champions Cup in 2021 and friendlies against Tigres UANL. International experience could be an asset for the Dash as they look to defeat Kansas City Current and advance in the Summer Cup.

The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup promises to be a soccer spectacle, with exciting matches and the chance to see some of the world’s best players in action. For Kansas City Current and Houston Dash, the road to glory begins now, and every match will be an intense battle for the title.