Next up in the NWSL is a clash between two of the most formidable squads in the division. KC Current, one of the few two sides in the league with an unblemished record, takes on the most valuable team in the league, Angel City FC. After breezing past NWSL Shield winners San Diego Wave last week, confidence is high at the Kansas City club. It’s a far cry from the side that finished 11th last season! However, up next is their trickiest encounter to date.
Having secured a playoff berth last campaign, Angel City FC is yet to click this season. They have yet to record a single win and have scored just a solitary goal so far! However, a squad worth $180 million is a dangerous proposition for any side and the Current will be more than wary of their threat. Besides the abundance of superstars, the match also presents an extra storyline.
The contest also pits two of the most high-profile co-owners in the league against each other, Patrick Mahomes vs. Serena Williams and partner Alexis Ohanian! Before the high-profile battle, let’s look at the injury updates.
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Team and injury news
A few days ago, KC Current faced a big blow as their top scorer from last season, Debinha picked up a hamstring injury in the season opener. The Brazilian will be out for 3 weeks. Other unavailabilities include Hailie Mace (hip), Michelle Cooper (calf), Mallory Weber (knee), Hanna Glas (knee), and Nichelle Prince (calf).
For Angel City FC, the big miss is undoubtedly Jun Endo. The Japanese playmaker ruptured her ACL and has been ruled out for the season! Other injury absentees include Madison Hammond (lower leg), Gisele Thompson (lower leg), M.A. Vignola (knee), and Christen Press (knee).
KC Current vs Angel City FC: Expected Lineups
For KC Current, all eyes will be on their midfield protege Claire Hutton. At 18 years old, she is already No. 1 in her team for progressive passes, tackles, and interceptions. Her partnership with LaBonta could have a key outcome in the match.
KC Current Expected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1): Franch; Ball, Robinson, Wheeler, Rodriguez; LaBonta, Hutton; Chawinga, Spaanstra, DiBernardo; Zaneratto
On the other hand, Angel City FC has a midfield star of their own in 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller. In the previous game, she made 3 key passes, the most in the match, and equaled Claire Emslie in the process. Alongside Howard, who was the standout performer in the previous match, Fuller could be the key to dominating possession against KC Current.
Angel City FC Expected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Anderson; Mathias, Nielsen, Gorden, Riley; Henry, Howard, Fuller; Emslie, A. Thompson, Bright
Match prediction
While Angel City FC has scored just 1 goal, they have the 3rd highest expected output in the league! Hence, it’s just a matter of time before the team clicks. KC Current is undoubtedly flying, but we believe this is the game where they’ll finally meet their match. Also, it is worth noting that last season, KC Current lost both times they faced Ali Riley and Co. Hence, we predict the trend to continue.
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Predicted result: KC Current 1-2 Angel City FC
KC Current vs Angel City FC: How to stream
The match kicks off on March 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT at the CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Viewers can watch the game on ESPN/ESPN+.
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Who are you backing in this contest? Is it Patrick Mahomes’ KC Current or Serena Williams’ Angel City FC? Share your predictions below.