The stage is set for an exciting showdown as the Kansas City Current take on the North Carolina Courage this Saturday, November 9, 2024, in the quarterfinals of the NWSL playoffs. With both teams fighting for glory, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling match.
The Kansas City Current finished the regular season strong, securing fourth place with 55 points. They achieved this through 16 wins, seven draws, and only three losses, showcasing their formidable presence throughout the season. Their recent form is particularly impressive; they capped off their regular season with a convincing 3-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. Michelle Cooper, Debora Cristiane de Oliveira, and Nichelle Prince each contributed to the scoreline, indicating the depth and versatility of the Current's attacking options.
On the other hand, the North Carolina Courage finished fifth on the standings, accumulating just 39 points with 12 wins, three draws, and 11 losses. Although they were one position behind Kansas City, the discrepancy in points highlighted the competitive nature of the league this season. The Courage faced some adversity leading up to this match, having lost their final regular-season game 1-0 to Washington. They struggled offensively, trailing 13-5 in total shots and only managing four shots on target compared to their opponents’ one.
The matchup has heavy stakes; the winner will advance to face either the Orlando Pride or the Chicago Red Stars in the semifinals. This adds to the pressure as both teams strive to keep their championship hopes alive.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, with the game broadcast live on CBS. Fans can also stream the action through Fubo, which offers free trials for those wanting to catch all the playoff excitement.
The Current’s key players will be instrumental if they wish to capitalize on their strong home form. They scored the most home goals on record this season, and their dynamic attacking trio has shown they can find the net consistently. Vlatko Andonovski, the head coach, has certainly helped instill a winning mentality within the squad this season.
Availability reports indicate the Current will be missing several key contributors. Hildah Magaia, Alex Pfeiffer, Gabrielle Robinson, Mallory Weber, and Bia Zaneratto are all out due to various injuries, presenting coach Andonovski with some tactical challenges. Temwa Chawinga is listed as questionable, which could impact their attacking strategy significantly if she cannot take the field.
North Carolina Courage, coached by Sean Nahas, also has several absences to navigate. Sydney Collins, Marisa Bova, and Estelle Johnson are unavailable, with Johnson on maternity leave. Brianna Pinto is recovering from injury, but the rest of the squad remains fit and ready to step up. The Courage will need to channel their frustration from their last game and find their rhythm quickly to pose any challenge to the Current’s defense.
Fans are hopeful for exhilarating moments across the pitch as both teams aim for postseason glory. Reflecting on the previous encounters during the regular season, the matches between these two sides have historically been tightly contested, which fans hope will set the stage for another dramatic showdown.
Will the home advantage propel the Current to victory, or will the Courage rebound from their recent loss and make their mark? The excitement is palpable as the clock counts down to what promises to be another spectacular chapter in NWSL playoff history.