Why early NWSL schedule has challenged the KC Current — and could pay off later

Off to a strong start to the NWSL season, the Kansas City Current returns to action this weekend after an international break.

While some players were busy representing their countries, others received a nice (and necessary) breather. Including Saturday, the Current (8-2-0) will have played on the road six times in its last eight matches, traveling a total of 12,582 air miles.

“It’s probably the most ever in a stretch in this league I’ve experienced before,” said veteran midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo.

She has seen it all in the NWSL and will be the second youngest player to make 200 appearances in the league when she plays in Saturday’s road match against Gotham FC.

The benefit of consecutive home games will eventually come late in the season, and it hasn’t quite mattered too much as the Current holds the second-best away record in the league. With a perfect record at home, that’s good enough to be in first place in the NWSL with 24 points — four clear of second place.

While players like Temwa Chawinga, Bia Zaneratto and others have dealt with a few knocks or minor injuries in recent weeks, the Current welcomed the international break to help them recover.

“Now we’re recovered, recuperated and having a good week of training this week leading into the game,” Kayla Sharples said.

For some, though, the international break was busy.

Lo LaBonta made two appearances — her first two — for the United States Women’s National Team. Claire Hutton and Michelle Cooper also made appearances with the USWNT. Cooper added an assist in the United States’ 3-0 win over China in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Katie Scott and Mary Long both featured for the USWNT U-20 squad, which qualified for the U-20 World Cup at the Concacaf U-20 Championships. Long has scored three goals in the tournament, and Scott, who captained the team, scored a long-range strike of her own.

And last but not least, goalkeeper Lorena played twice for Brazil, defeating Japan 3-1 and 2-1. She made a penalty kick save to preserve an early lead over Japan.

As the team reunites, the big road test ahead is Gotham FC.

Gotham FC has struggled at times throughout the year but is loaded with talent. Injuries have contributed to the team’s current position outside the playoff line, but KC coach Vlatko Andonovski sees the opponent posing a different type of challenge.

“They’re very, very savvy,” Andonovski said. “They’re very free-flowing and creative.”

He says the way Gotham FC plays is unlike that of many teams in the league.

“They do all kinds of different rotations. It’s hard to follow everything that they do,” Andonovski said. “We have to be so alert and focused for 90 minutes. Because if you just shut down for a second, they’ll punish you.”

That match kicks off at noon on Saturday and will be broadcast on CBS.

Current named 2nd most valuable NWSL team by Forbes

Forbes recently released its annual valuations of NWSL franchises, and Kansas City sits very clearly near the top.

The Current ranked second by only $5 million, valued to the tune of $275 million. Angel City FC was first at $280 million. Kansas City boasted the highest revenue in the league at $36 million and, according to Forbes, is the only team expected to break even on an operating-cost basis in 2025.

The next most valuable franchise was Bay FC, who has a more than $100 million gap. Rounding out the top 5 are the San Diego Wave ($165 million), and the Washington Spirit ($130 million).

Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.