After a 2024 that saw the club finish 4th in the table and get knocked out of the playoffs in the semifinals, the Kansas City Current hit the ground running in 2025. They then proceeded to set numerous records, including but not limited to, the most wins (21), points (65), home wins (11), road wins (10), multi-goal games (18) and multi-goal wins (15).

The Current won the NWSL Shield and were the front-runners heading into the playoffs with a 21 point differential between them and 2nd in the table Washington. Unfortunately, an extra-time goal by Gotham ended their season in the quarterfinals. 

Following their early exit from the postseason, the club announced that head coach Vlatko Andonovski would be transitioning into a new role as the club’s global sporting director and continue his role until a new head coach is named. 

The Current had a really strong offseason after the 2024 season and are in a solid position to have another good offseason. The big question to be answered in the coming months is who will be the next head coach. 

The Positives

There were a lot of measures by which the Current had a good season, they led the league in goals scored by a margin of 7 with 49, and led the league in fewest goals conceded by a margin of 12 with 13.

Ahead of the season start, the Current signed forward and the 2024 MVP and Golden Boot winner, Temwa Chawinga, to a 3-year contract extension to keep her in KC through 2028. She then proceeded to continue her run of form in 2025 with another Golden Boot win and she’s also on the short-list of finalists for MVP again. The main concern with Chawinga is keeping her healthy—she showed up on the injury report as questionable or out for 12 of the Current’s 27 matches. 

Another big move that Kansas City made midseason was the trade with Utah to bring forward Ally Sentnor to the squad in return for $300,000 2025 intraleague transfer funds, $200,000 2026 intra-league transfer funds, $100,000 2027 intra-league transfer funds, and a conditional $100,000 intra-league transfer funds. 

The Negatives

Even with all of the records, the Current midfield struggled with injuries throughout the season but the strength in depth of the roster was able to fill in the gaps and keep the level of play high. 

Heading into the offseason, Kansas City does have 9 free agents, including versatile defender Hailie Mace who already announced her intentions to leave the club during the free agency period. Mace’s ability to play both as a centerback and outside back helped the Kansas City side seamlessly deal with injuries in the backline. 

Roster Flexibility 

The Current have 19 players rostered for the 2026 season — including midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo who went on maternity leave at the end of July (and best case won’t be available until the back half of the season). 

The club does only have four of their seven international spots utilized for the upcoming year, so that does give them some flexibility in their offseason acquisitions. 

Kansas City did have two key free agents already re-sign with the club, with midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta signing a 3-year contract and defender Kayla Sharples signing a 2-year contract with a 2028 mutual option. 

Offseason Priorities

During the offseason, the front office needs to prioritize hiring a new head coach — and one whose tactics likely match similarly with Andonovski’s tactical vision for the squad. 

Of the free agents, re-signing forward Bia Zaneratto should be a priority for the team — with seven goals and three assists she’s an important part of the Kansas City attack. 

With only four midfielders signed to the 2026 roster, the club should also make sure that they are adding some extra depth in the midfield.