Kansas City Current's playoff hopes hang in the balance in must-win clash vs. Spirit

The final stretch of the 2024 NWSL regular season is in full gear, and Kansas City Current is preparing for one of its biggest battles this year. This Friday, Current is hosting Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium in a match full of action from cover to cover. Indeed, this coming clash against Spirit will be determining for the team of Kansas City as far as their fate this season is concerned.

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Importance of the Match

Kansas City Current steps into the field with a clear objective in mind: to win and cement their place in the 2024 NWSL playoffs. They are going to play against Washington Spirit, one of those teams that has already secured a playoff spot and will put a lot of pressure on the home team. The stakes simply can't get any bigger for Kansas City to get back on their feet after running winless in their last five games. This Friday's result is crucial in setting a tone for the team's postseason ambitions.

Understanding the possible scenarios will be important in a situation where everything is still up for grabs. Other than a win, Kansas City can qualify even with a draw, so long as Racing Louisville FC loses or draws against North Carolina Courage. A defeat could still be compensated by bad results from their direct competitors, but one should never count on luck.

Analysis of Past Match: Lessons Learned

The last time these two teams faced each other in August, Washington Spirit came away with a dominant 4-1 victory. While the score may not exactly indicate it, Kansas City controlled more of this match, outshooting Spirit 14-7 and creating more clear scoring chances. However, at the end of the day, clinical finishing anchored by the forwards Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman made all the difference for Washington.

Another statistical factor that perhaps told against Kansas City was an interesting one: the game was a tactical one in which both sides gave away very little in terms of space. For all the dominance in terms of possession, Spirit were ruthless with their chances, pouncing on errors at the back. That balance between the control of the game and defensive solidity is an important one which will be crucial to avoid that outcome being replicated.

Almuth Schult's Role and Kansas City's Defense

Bright spots of the season so far for Kansas City have been the match-winning displays of goalkeeper Almuth Schult. She had important saves against in recent games as KC took a vital point in last week's goalless draw against Orlando Pride. Defensively, that consistency has to continue against this dangerous Washington Spirit attack with players such as Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman.

She made five important saves in the last outing against the Chicago Red Stars to keep her second consecutive clean sheet. Her level of play will be critical in slowing down the offensive firepower of the Washington Spirit that remains one of the most lethal in the NWSL.

The Expectations for Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga

Recently injured, forward Bia Zaneratto has already demonstrated that she can be an integral part of Kansas City's attack. Indeed, during the last 30 minutes of the game against Orlando Pride, she had multiple dangerous chances, which almost turned into a goal. She is expected to give in her best this Friday. The Kansas City offense must become efficient to break down Washington's solid defense.

Another important player for Kansas City is forward Temwa Chawinga, who was denied her streak of eight consecutive matches with at least a goal in the draw against Orlando. Anyway, Chawinga remains the top scorer of the current NWSL season, having scored 15 goals so far, and her presence in the field will be a nuisance to Washington's defense. The contest between Chawinga and the defenders of the Spirit will be among the game's most awaited.

Washington Spirit: Full Strength and on Personal Records

Washington Spirit comes into this match high in spirits following a convincing 3-0 win over Houston Dash. Ashley Hatch is in top form after scoring a brace in the last game, while Trinity Rodman's speed and finishing precision makes Washington one of the most feared teams in the league.

Of these, Rodman has attained 50 goal contributions across all NWSL competitions in record time, being the youngest ever to manage this feat. Hatch and Rodman remain the most dynamic pairing that gives Kansas City the greatest headache. A lot will be required in terms of keeping house and organizing the backline, closing space, if anything, to limit their offensive output.

Not to forget the most recent addition to their ranks with Esme Morgan joining the roster from Manchester City. The English defender made her professional debut against Houston and has since been a part of providing a strong presence in the backline for Washington, fitting alongside Tara McKeown really well.