Kansas City Current’s Midseason Struggles: A Tactical Breakdown

As the 2026 NWSL season reaches its midpoint, Kansas City Current finds itself at a crossroads. After a promising start to the campaign, the team has hit a rough patch, with inconsistent results raising questions about their tactical approach under head coach Vlatko Andonovski. With playoff aspirations on the line, a deeper look into their midseason form reveals both areas of concern and potential pathways to recovery.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

One of the most glaring issues for Kansas City has been their defensive organization. In recent matches, the Current have conceded goals at an alarming rate, often due to lapses in positioning and communication at the back. A high defensive line, intended to press opponents and win the ball in advanced areas, has instead left gaps for opposing forwards to exploit on the counter. Teams with pacey attackers have punished Kansas City repeatedly, highlighting the need for adjustments.

Goalkeeper AD Franch, a veteran presence, has been left exposed by these structural issues. While Franch has made several standout saves, the sheer volume of chances opponents are creating suggests that the problem lies in the system rather than individual errors. Coach Andonovski may need to consider dropping the defensive line or adopting a more compact shape to limit space between the lines.

Midfield Imbalance Hinders Creativity

In midfield, Kansas City has struggled to strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent. The trio of Lo’eau LaBonta, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Debinha has immense talent, but their roles often overlap, leading to a lack of cohesion. LaBonta, typically a box-to-box midfielder, has been forced into a deeper role to cover defensive gaps, which limits her ability to contribute to the attack. Meanwhile, Debinha’s playmaking has been stifled by a lack of movement ahead of her.

This imbalance has resulted in a predictable style of play, with Kansas City relying heavily on long balls to bypass the midfield. Opponents have adapted by sitting deep and forcing the Current to break down compact defenses—a task they’ve struggled with due to a lack of intricate passing combinations. Addressing this issue may require personnel changes or a shift to a formation that better utilizes their midfielders’ strengths, such as a 4-2-3-1.

Bright Spots in Attack

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Forward Temwa Chawinga remains a standout performer, using her speed and dribbling ability to create chances even in difficult situations. Her ability to stretch defenses has been a lifeline for Kansas City, though she often lacks support from teammates making runs off the ball. If Andonovski can design a system that maximizes Chawinga’s impact—perhaps by pairing her with a more traditional target forward—the Current could unlock their attacking potential.

Additionally, set pieces have been a strength for Kansas City this season. Their physicality in the box has led to several goals from corners and free kicks, with defenders like Elizabeth Ball contributing at the back post. Leaning into this strength could provide a reliable source of points while broader tactical issues are addressed.

What’s Next for Kansas City?

The road ahead won’t be easy. With several top teams still on their schedule, Kansas City must find solutions quickly to avoid slipping further down the standings. Andonovski, known for his tactical acumen from his time with the USWNT, has the experience to turn things around, but time is of the essence. A midseason transfer to shore up the defense or add midfield depth could be a game-changer, though financial constraints and roster rules may limit their options.

For now, the focus should be on small, incremental improvements. Tightening up defensively, even at the expense of some attacking flair, could provide a foundation to build from. Encouraging more fluidity in midfield and ensuring Chawinga isn’t isolated up top will also be key. If Kansas City can address these issues, they have the talent to climb back into playoff contention.

League-Wide Context

Kansas City’s struggles are not unique in a league as competitive as the NWSL, where even small tactical missteps can lead to dropped points. Their midseason form serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, and it will be fascinating to see how they adapt in the coming weeks. For fans, the hope is that this rough patch is merely a bump in the road rather than a sign of deeper issues. As the playoff race intensifies, every match will be a test of Andonovski’s ability to steer the Current back on course.