The Pitch presents our 2026 pre-season guide to all things KC Current

If you’re not watching the Current, you’re missing out. On the field, off the field, and even with the actual field itself, the Current are elevating women’s soccer – and having a whole lot of fun doing it.

With kickoff for this year’s league campaign just weeks away, the Current are poised for their most exciting and uncertain season yet. Whether you’re new to the team or just catching up on the latest developments, The Pitch has your back: our 2026 Guide will get you in shape and up to date.

Recap

The Current are good. Scary good. Ambitions of being the best in the world good. Starting as scrappy, lovable underdogs in 2021, the Current have grown into one of the most dominant teams in National Women’s Soccer League history. The 2025 season was their strongest yet, with the Current winning their first NWSL Shield, and in the process setting an absurd number of new league records for both offense and defense.

But what makes the NWSL one of the best sports leagues in the world is that anything can – and does – happen. The Current were widely expected to cruise their way to the championship, but late-season injuries began to pile up, taking key starters out of the lineup. In the first round of the playoffs, the Current faced off against Gotham FC, a team they had already beaten twice that year. It was a dramatic match, with Gotham capitalizing on Kansas City’s absences and holding on for dear life after taking the lead in the second half. Only seconds before the final whistle, KC’s Ellie Bravo-Young (née Wheeler) scored, forcing the match into extra time. Thirty minutes later, Gotham returned the favor with a dagger of a strike moments before the game would have gone to penalty kicks. The stunning 2-1 defeat embodied the agony and ecstasy of this beautiful game: anything is possible, but anything is possible.

It was a bitter note to end such a remarkable year, but for those of us watching it means the club is even more determined to win their first championship since bringing women’s professional soccer back to KC. From the training center to the stadium to the development pipeline, this is an organization making enormous investments in the future – now is a great time to tune in and see it happen.

The Offseason

For a team so dominant in 2025, the Current’s offseason has been surprisingly busy. About a third of the roster has turned over. After the exit of some star veterans, the Current signed a crop of young players, with an average age of 22. The front office also had its share of significant moves, including a new coach and a newly-promoted GM.

It was already a lot of change, but the team didn’t stop there: already a month into pre-season training, the Current revealed a surprise trade that had the WoSo world talking in terms usually only heard from seismologists. (More on that in our players section!)

The Current also announced the launch of the first academy for an NWSL team in Brazil, establishing a local presence in a country known for producing some of the greatest talents ever to play the game. Closer to home, work continues on the development of the neighborhood around CPKC stadium, making the gameday experience even better with additional public space, bars and restaurants, and the imminent completion of the streetcar link. And just a few days ago, team owners Angie and Chris Long cut the ribbon for Riverside Stadium and a new training center for the club’s developmental team, the Current II. The timing is excellent, as the Current will be hosting some high-profile guests for the World Cup this summer, serving as the home base for the Dutch Men’s National Team.

The investments are impressive, and all the more for their scale and speed.

Looking ahead

We also know that sports don’t happen in a vacuum.

The story of women’s soccer is one of resistance and persistence. Generations of women who wanted to play a sport they love have endured negligence, abuse, derision, and even active opposition. At the heart of that struggle are questions of who belongs where, what women should be “allowed” to do, and who is worthy of attention, investment, and inclusion.

No one can take on that kind of effort alone. While the growth of women’s sports in recent years is exhilarating, it is in no way effortless: getting there is the result of a community shouldering unglamorous work over years. On the field and in the stands, that dedication has produced a culture that is inviting and strong.

Finding joy in soccer is not a distraction from the pain and challenges of the present moment; it is a reminder of why we’re taking them on: communities joining together in a shared love and purpose. It is who we can be. People in power are trying to promote fear, despair, and complacency. But as generations of women have shown, something better is possible. And it’s a whole lot more fun than what those guys have in mind

For Current fans, there’s a lot to look forward to in the months ahead. We hope you can join in the action and that it will help you in your efforts to make the other parts of 2026 better.

Players

The Current have built an environment that makes Kansas City one of the best places in the world to play women’s soccer, and you can see that in the talent they attract. Here is a breakdown of this year’s roster changes: who’s out, who’s new, and who’s back for more.

Exits

Let’s start with the bad news: these are the players we’re saying goodbye to.

Claire Hutton, Midfielder

The Current signed the defensive midfielder when she was just 17 years old. She made her debut in the 2024 season and immediately locked the position down, showing a terrifying amount of poise for someone who is younger than YouTube. Her performance has earned her call ups to the US Women’s National Team, where she appears on track to feature prominently in the squad’s future. So when in February the Current announced that they had traded Hutton to Bay FC for $1.1 million, fans and observers were shocked: Hutton is an extraordinary talent who plays a foundational role in the structure of a team. Can KC maintain its remarkable defense without her? Will their attack be as potent if they don’t have depth behind them? We’re about to find out.

Kristen Hamilton, Forward

A mainstay of the Current’s attack in 2022 and 2023, the veteran forward retired after a decade of professional soccer as one of the most accomplished players in the league. She may have hung up her cleats, but Hamilton is still bringing joy to fans in Kansas City with Pitchside Coffee. She can also sell you a house.

Bia Zaneratto, Forward

As many anticipated, the Brazilian international opted to enter free agency to return home, signing with Palmeiras. A formidable striker, she leaves a big vacancy in the attack, and an even bigger one in our hearts.

Hailie Mace, Defender

A free agent after the 2025 season, the Current’s star defender signed with Orlando Pride, the NWSL powerhouse where her fiancé plays. We’re happy for them, but 11,500 fans want to know: is a long distance relationship so bad?

Alex Pfeiffer, Forward

In one of the most surprising moves of the offseason, the Current and the young attacker mutually parted ways with another year remaining on her contract. Shortly afterward, Pfeiffer signed for Bay FC. [It’s not clear what prompted the move, or why the Current front office didn’t facilitate a trade. TK CONFIRM IF YOU CAN EVEN TRADE YOUNG PLAYERS ON DISCOVERY CONTRACTS THIS WHOLE THING WAS WEIRD.]

Laurel Ivory, Goalkeeper

A free agent after the 2025 season, Ivory signed with NWSL expansion club Boston Legacy, where we expect she’ll feature as their starting goalkeeper.

Jereko, Forward

Originally on loan to the Current’s sister club HB Køge, the Danish side made the transfer permanent, signing the Kenyan national team captain to a two-year deal.

Regan Steigleder, Defender

After two seasons with the Current, the defender’s contract was not renewed. She signed with Lexington FC in the USL.

Caitlin Carducci, General Manager – Another surprise departure involved the front office, with Carducci joining the Orlando Pride.

New Arrivals

Croix Bethune, Midfielder

Rocket fuel to a bonfire. Kansas City already had one of the best attacks in the world. Now they’ve added one of the best attackers.

When Croix Bethune made her professional debut in 2024, she not only earned recognition as the NWSL Rookie of the Year, she also bested league veterans to win Midfielder of the Year.  A gifted playmaker and devious orchestrator, her creative vision and skill give her an awe-inducing ability to unlock defenses, stacking up assists and scoring opportunities. Bethune also has a lethal finishing ability of her own, making her even more dangerous and unpredictable.

Coming to Kansas City from the Washington Spirit in a $1 million trade, this move will reshape the attack for both teams. The prospect of Croix Bethune feeding the ball to Temwa Chawinga already has opposing defenses suffering from Pre-Traumatic Stress. Add in all the other attacking options she opens up, and the season ahead is going to be very interesting.

Gianna Paul, Forward

Paul cut a crimson swath through the record books at the University of Alabama, contributing 40 goals in 90 appearances and garnering national accolades in the process. The Long Island native is an impressive attacker with a fluidity to her game that is both relentless and inevitable:  She can cut through pressure and dish out gorgeous crosses from the wing, laser in precision shots from distance, and score impossible goals on the break.

If there is anyone who can replace some of Bia’s game, 5’10” Paul seems most poised to do it, both in physical presence and striking ability. And with her range of skills, she should be a perfect fit for the rest of the attacking line. Vlatko and company clearly agree, signing her to a three-year contract.

Amelia White, Forward

Making her professional debut with the Current, 22-year-old White has the added bonus of reuniting with her Penn State teammate Ellie Bravo-Young. White was a force for the Nittany Lions on the right wing, tallying six goals and four assists in her senior year. The 5’3” tall forward shows a lot of finesse in her game, using clever positioning, strong on-ball control, and surprising shot placement. Hailing from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, White also has international experience with the US Youth National Team. Her two-year contract with Kansas City runs through 2027.

Meila Brewer, Defender

In 2025, Brewer put together a ridiculous stream of accomplishments:

• Graduated from high school at Blue Valley.
• Trained with the Current over the summer, even playing in an exhibition match against top Brazilian club team Palmeiras.
• Made her college debut with UCLA as the youngest student-athlete in school history.
• Represented the United States in the U-17 World Cup.
• Signed a three-year professional contract with the Current.
• Celebrated her sixteenth birthday.

A native of Overland Park, the center back is one of the Current’s first homegrown talents to earn a place on the senior team. She’ll be joining a defensive unit that just produced the best record in NWSL history, allowing only 13 goals in the 2025 season. If she’s already this good, what will the next few years bring?

Laney Rouse, Defender

After an accomplished college career with the University of Virginia, the Current signed the 23-year-old right back to her first professional contract this past December. Rouse also brings years of experience on the US Youth National Team, including the 2022 U-20 World Cup squad that included Current stars Michelle Cooper and Ally Sentnor. Signed through the 2026 season, the North Carolina native will be bringing needed depth on the right after the departure of Hailie Mace.

Kolo Suliafu, Defender

Joining the Current after four years with the University of Washington, the center back is already used to setting defensive records, helping the Huskies achieve program-best performances in goals conceded and clean sheets. A product of the Southern California youth soccer scene, her leadership experience will serve her well as she develops the next phase of her game. Her debut contract is through 2026.

Marisa Jordan, Goalkeeper

Traded from the North Carolina Courage for an international roster spot, the 25-year-old Purdue alum will compete with Clare Gagne for the #2 role behind Lorena. Drafted in 2022, the Wisconsin native made her NWSL debut this past fall, playing five matches that included a shutout win away against Orlando. Jordan is signed through the 2027 season.

Chris Armas, Head Coach

When the Current announced that Vlatko Andonovski would be leaving the head coach role to focus on being the club’s global sporting director, it was an open question of who would succeed one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s soccer. The answer turned out to be Armas, who has never coached a women’s professional team but was recommended by a college friend of one of the owners.

An unconventional choice, but the club points to Armas’ coaching stints with several MLS sides, a few years as an assistant in England’s Premier League, and four years coaching the women’s team at Adelphi University. His most recent position with the Colorado Rapids produced mixed results, and he parted ways with the team after missing the 2025 MLS playoffs. Armas, now 53, is most famously a former player for the US Men’s National Team and the Chicago Fire, where he excelled as a defensive midfielder.

The fifth head coach for the club in the past six years, Armas is getting a challenging role at an even more challenging time: after such a dominant run of the team in 2025, how do you improve on that? Standards and expectations are high, but Armas has shown a determination throughout his career, a drive that won him an MLS championship and brought him through recovery from injury. With Vlatko’s leadership and support, this could be the beginning of a beautiful partnership: an exciting new era for both coach and team.

Returning Players

Temwa Chawinga, Forward 

Few players embody love of the game quite like Temwa Chawinga. In her debut NWSL season in 2024, Chawinga stunned the league with her speed and scoring ability, earning both NWSL MVP and the Golden Boot (awarded to the player with the most goals in a season). Last year, she did it again, becoming the first player in the history of the NWSL to earn both awards in back-to-back years. If you’ve ever seen her play live, you know why – watching her run feels unreal.

Chawinga offers more than just offensive threat: she is humble and unselfish in her game, setting up her teammates to score or doing the unglamorous work of tracking back deep to help defend. And somehow she is able to sustain that pace for 90 minutes or more, like if a dragster ran marathons. And also the dragster will help you move, or give you a ride to the airport even though it’s a 5am flight.

The Malawi international suffered an adductor injury late in the season, and her timeline to return is unclear. The team will be eager to see her back on the field: not only can Chawinga break out and score, but her mere presence requires so much defensive attention that space opens up for her teammates.

Lo’eau Labonta, Midfielder

There is no player more beloved by fans or more synonymous with the Current than Lo’eau Labonta. The veteran midfielder played for the Current’s predecessor, FCKC, and has been with the team since its return in 2021. Originator of the “KC BAY-BEE” cheer, she has given fans plenty of reasons to shout it – her goals (and iconic celebrations of those goals), her effortless charisma in interviews, and a veteran presence that manages to be serious about excellence while also fun and subversive. The effect is a general loving mayhem that surrounds the team: part border collie, part arsonist.

Throughout all of it, Labonta has continued to grow her game and, in recent seasons, shifted to a more defensive midfield role. In 2025, Labonta debuted for the US Women’s National Team, becoming the oldest player in program history to earn their first cap. A relentless competitor, she will be integral to the Current’s campaign for their first championship. As Kansas City welcomes the global community for the World Cup this summer, it’s hard to think of a better ambassador.

Michelle Cooper, Forward

Sure, she’s just 23. She’s also entering her fourth season in the league, maturing in her game while still growing it. An attacker who combines physicality and finesse, she frequently bombs forward on the right side, but also shows a considerable defensive work rate, digging in deep to help the back line. Sidelined by a foot injury in November right before the playoffs, it is not yet clear when we’ll see her back on the field.

Drafted after a sophomore season at Duke that saw her awarded college soccer’s highest honor, Cooper’s breakout performance with the Current has made her a USWNT regular over the past year. With the Women’s World Cup approaching in 2027, a championship run would be a great way to cement her place on the final squad.

Haley Hopkins, Forward

An accomplished collegiate player, Hopkins is entering her fourth season in the league after joining the Current in 2025. One of the tallest players on the team at 5’10”, she brings an aerial threat and physical presence. Last year she served as a frequent late-game sub to help close out matches, producing one goal and three assists across 481 minutes of league play. In addition to her on-field performance, Hopkins also serves as president of the NWSL Players Association, an organization that is strong, effective, and seriously impressive.

Mary Long, Forward

After one semester at Duke and representing the US at the 2024 U-17 World Cup, the Current signed then 17-year-old Long to her first professional contract last year. The beginning of her professional career had an unusual complication: her parents own the team. The Mission Hills homegrown generated one assist in her 179 minutes of league play, and also scored in a summer match against Brazilian side Corinthians SC. In December, the Current signed Long to a two-year contract through the 2027 season. The club recently announced that Long had suffered an ACL injury, likely ruling her out for the entirety of 2026.

Debinha, Midfielder

One of the most crafty and creative players in the world game, the veteran attacking midfielder started the 2025 in her best form in years. With dazzling on-ball skills, brilliant assists, and a scary good shooting ability, Debinha was on pace to an MVP-caliber season when she suffered a vicious knock against the Orlando Pride in May. The injury kept her out of the Current’s roster for most of the summer, and forced her to miss international duty with the Brazilian National Team. Now that she’s had time to recover, we are eager to see her weave more magic – few players are as fun to watch as she is.

Vanessa DiBernardo, Midfielder

The veteran playmaker has been in some of the best form of her career, returning from an injury-plagued 2023 stronger than ever. DiBernardo has conducted a symphonic attack, confounding defenses and delighting everyone else. Her vision and intelligence allow her to connect impossible passes, breaking through lines and starting a chain of events that end with the ball in the back of the net. Like Final Destination, but with less murder and more goals.

DiBernardo stepped away from the field over this past summer with the exciting news that she was expecting the birth of her first child. Her timeline to return to play is uncertain, but the Current will be eager to have their maestro back.

Bayley Feist, Midfielder

A utility midfielder whose role with the Current has largely been to close out matches, Feist played 173 minutes over 10 matches in 2025. Recently signing a one-year contract for the 2026 season, she will add important depth for team, especially with Current’s additional games this year.

Rocky Rodríguez, Midfielder

Turning 33 this year, the former NWSL Rookie of the Year has evolved her game, playing a strong depth role off the bench for KC since arriving last season. The departure of Claire Hutton may have Rodríguez shouldering a larger share of the workload in defensive midfield, but with nearly 200 league matches and more than 100 caps for Costa Rica, she has ample experience for the job. She recently signed a 2-year extension with the Current, a clear sign the front office has confidence in her.

Ally Sentnor, Midfielder 

A surprise (and record-breaking) signing from Utah last summer, Ally Sentnor is one of the most visible young talents in the United States. At 22, she has played for the national team at every age level, including six goals for the senior squad in just fifteen appearances.

The star is in the midst of an inflection point: now entering her third season as a professional, she is maturing her game. While her time at Utah gave her a reputation for long-range, low-chance bangers that sent statistics-driven commentators into apoplexy, Sentnor has impressive on-the-ball skills that allow her to draw and escape pressure. Recent lineups have made use of that, positioning her in more of a playmaking role behind the front line. The arrival of Croix Bethune may open Sentnor up to even more possibilities, whether covering for Chawinga on the left wing, or roving to disrupt opposing defenses.

Elizabeth Ball, Defender

The veteran center back is one of only two players who have been with the Current since 2021, anchoring the back line and helping to lead the team on and off the field. With the arrival of reinforcements, Ball has taken more of a utility role in the lineup, covering center or right back as needed. Last season the community favorite marked her 100th NWSL game in style, scoring her third career goal.

Ellie Bravo-Young, Defender

Entering her third season as a professional, Bravo-Young (nee Wheeler) is poised for a breakout year. While typically battling end-to-end as a right back, she has also featured in attack as winger. A player with intensity and grit, Bravo-Young memorably scored the last-gasp goal against Gotham to send the match to extra time. Originally signed to a one-year contract, Bravo-Young impressed club staff enough to offer her a four-year extension through 2028.

Alana Cook, Defender

Last year saw the center back putting together one of the strongest seasons of her career, leading the Current’s back line to four shutout matches in the first seven games and earning her first call up to the US Women’s National Team in two years. Her promising start was cut short by a bad knee injury against Orlando in May 2025. The earliest we could expect to see Cook return is this summer, we’ll be cheering for her to show up stronger than ever.

Izzy Rodriguez, Defender

Debuting as a rookie with the Current in 2022, Rodriguez has emerged as the team’s first-choice left back. Known for deep forward runs and long precision passes, Rodriguez played in every match of the 2025 season, contributing a league-high six assists and earning her a Defender of the Year nomination and the NWSL Best XI award. Her performance for KC attracted the attention of the US Women’s National Team last year, earning her first call-up to the senior squad. She proved them right, scoring a goal in her debut match.

Katie Scott, Defender

Part of the Current’s crop of talented one-and-done prodigies with a season of college experience before turning pro, Scott’s debut season in 2025 was a quiet one – understandable when you’ve got Hailie Mace and Ellie Wheeler ahead of you on the depth chart. But the right back made the most of her two starts and 122 minutes of playing time, distinguishing herself with strong performances that speak to her long-term potential. Now 18, Scott is looking to continue honing her craft with the best defensive unit in the NWSL, as well as on the international stage with the US Youth National Team. She’s one to watch, and since the Current just signed her to a new two-year contract, she’ll have ample opportunity to show what she can do.

Kayla Sharples, Defender

Sharples built on her breakout late-season arrival in 2024 with an even stronger performance in 2025.  The center back was the nucleus of the back line, forming an outstanding pair with Alana Cook and, later, Gabby Robinson and Elizabeth Ball. Her efforts earned her a much-deserved NWSL Defender of the Year nomination and Best XI alongside Izzy Rodriguez. With the departure of Hailie Mace and Alana Cook’s continuing absence due to injury, her leadership of the back line will be vital to producing a similar defensive effort as last year’s record-breaking season.

Lorena, Goalkeeper 

Joining the Current in 2025, Lorena made her inaugural season exciting for what didn’t happen: teams just couldn’t score against her. KC turned in a record-breaking defensive performance, with 14 clean sheets and Lorena trouncing the league’s goalkeepers across all kinds of stats. That was just year one. A star for the Brazilian National Team, Lorena brings a quiet excellence to her game that quickly had the KC Blue Crew chanting “That’s our keeper” in Portuguese.

Clare Gagne, Goalkeeper

Joining the Current in 2025 after a college career full of individual awards and a national championship, Gagne spent her rookie season in training, with an injury later in the year knocking her out for the season. The Current evidently liked what they saw from her, signing her this January for the 2026 season. This year, she will be competing with the new arrival, Marisa Jordan, for a role as Lorena’s understudy.

What’s ahead

The NWSL season | Begins March 14

The Current kick off their first match of the 2026 season on March 14th at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

The Launch of Current Landing | “Spring 2026”

The Current are continuing their astonishing pace of building facilities, now constructing an entire neighborhood around CPKC Stadium. The riverfront district includes restaurants, housing developments, and a 2-acre public gathering space the club is calling the Town Square. Exciting? Yes. Expensive? Ridiculously so. Impressive? Definitely – what other team is working at this scale?

Teal Rising Week | April 8-15

The club has turned an enjoyable slate of friendlies from last summer into a full-on soccer festival. Events include a mini-tournament with Mexican titan América along with Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Corinthians, a U-20 international friendly between Brazil and the US Youth National Team, a skills challenge, a youth tournament featuring teams from Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and other programming for young players.

NWSL Challenge Cup | June 26

The pandemic-era tournament has evolved into a matchup between the previous season’s league winners and playoff champions, which means this summer the Current will be facing off against Gotham FC in another winner-take-all contest.