2024 NWSL Playoffs: Who will KC Current play in its quest for playoff glory?

After finishing just two points behind bottom in 2023, KC Current had a much better time in 2024. With a relentless attacking approach, the Current have scored 54 goals this season, helped largely by Temwa Chawinga's season record.

KC will be a little disappointed with how their season ended. A Summer Cup win seemed like the perfect springboard to a national double. By September they were well in the title race and appeared to be favorites at times, but a period of poor form ended any chance of usurping Orlando Pride.

Nonetheless, KC Current has rebounded in recent weeks and could still claim second place in the NWSL with just one game left. And given the team's tremendous attacking quality, they'll like their chances against anyone in the playoffs.

Why didn't KC Current win the NWSL Shield?

KC Current started the season brilliantly with five wins from their first six games and remained undefeated until they faced Orlando just before the Olympic break. A narrow 1:2 defeat against the eventual champions was respectable.

One thing KC Current can rely on is their power in front of goal. They've only missed out twice this season, in dismal 0-0 draws against Seattle Reign and Angel City. In contrast, they have managed to score at least three goals in nine games this season, a league-high statistic.

Chawinga's record-breaking 20 goals (and counting) was effectively supported by five goals each from experienced international stars Vanessa DiBernardo and Beatriz. DiBernardo was also a key player creatively, scoring a further five goals for her team, a number only bettered by Brazil's Debinha with six. KC hasn't lost too often this season either. They kept nine clean sheets, with experienced goalkeepers Almuth Schult and Adrianna Franch both impressing.

However, it was the post-Olympics turmoil that really upset the flow. Just two wins in six games – including losses to fellow playoff contenders Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage – meant Vlatko Andonovski's side went from a title race to a top-four clash in a matter of weeks. What might worry Andonovski is the fact that the four games in which Current dropped points were all against other playoff contenders.

Who can KC Current play in the NWSL playoffs?

With KC Current still in position to finish second, third or even fourth, multiple playoff scenarios are on the table.

KC Current is currently in fourth place and will face fifth-place North Carolina Courage. They secured a 1-0 win over NC in Kansas in May, but the Courage got revenge with a 2-1 loss in early September. The winner of this clash will likely face Orlando Pride for a place in the NWSL finals.

If KC can climb to third or even second, the picture changes dramatically. Third place means a meeting with the seventh-placed team. At the moment this is Portland Thorns; The Thorns have already conceded nine goals against KC in two dramatic games this season.

A move up to third place would mean they would currently face the sixth-placed Chicago Red Stars. The two teams play on the final day for a possible playoff dress rehearsal. However, if the results go in a different direction, it is possible that Bay FC could also come into play.

Chawinga has fond memories of the game against Bay FC. She broke the NWSL regular season goalscoring record against Bay in October and will be desperate to score again.

When are the NWSL playoffs?

The NWSL playoffs begin on Saturday, November 9th, with the grand final taking place on November 23rd.