Kansas City Current to crush San Diego Wave playoff dreams?

With the regular season in its final stretch, every game has huge implications. Come this Saturday, it could shape the trajectory of the seasons of both Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave. One side is Kansas City, already sealed a place in the playoffs and currently flying high on the back of an impressive run, while San Diego desperately fights for survival in the competition.

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Kansas City: The impassable wall

Kansas City Current goes into the matchup with lots of confidence. In a team that has conceded only one goal in the last six games — and that was an own goal — shows just how solid the team's defense has been all season.

Undoubtedly, the star of this team is Temwa Chawinga. She is on fire, scoring 19 goals this season-a number bettered by none other than Sam Kerr. Chawinga has been lethal, and she could become the first player to score against all NWSL teams with 10 or more clubs in a single season-an impressive feat for a player who seems to be reinventing herself with each game.

They are looking like they have all the cards in hand for another win, as led by Kayla Sharples and goalkeeper Almuth Schult, their defense is almost flawless. But will Kansas City be able to keep up the level of play against a desperate San Diego Wave team seeking points?

San Diego Wave: Fighting for Survival

The situation of San Diego Wave is entirely opposite of Kansas City. After coming off a tough 2-0 loss to Houston Dash, leaving them in a very tight spot, this Saturday's game against Kansas City is pretty much a "do or die" scenario: a loss or even a draw knocks the Wave out of playoff contention. If all that was not enough, the side further lost in frustrating fashion to Club América in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, a result that further piled pressure on the squad.

As difficult as it may sound, San Diego does possess one player who can change the direction of the game: María Sánchez. The forward has been one of the most creative players in the league this season, and her role is crucial for San Diego. Of the last 17 goals scored by the side, Sánchez has had a hand in 10-either scoring or assisting on them. Whatever hope San Diego has depends on Sánchez to produce in clutch moments.

With that in mind, San Diego will have to be very close to perfect if they wish to defeat Kansas City on their home turf. The team needs discipline, both tactically and emotionally, in order to withstand the pressure that their opponents will put on them, which is in top form this season.