KC Current vs. Chicago Stars: Exciting Match Preview
The Kansas City team travels to Evanston on Sunday for a key early-season clash. This piece offers an Exciting Match Preview of KC Current and Chicago Stars ahead of kickoff.
Match details
When: Sunday, March 22 at 1:15 PM CT. Where: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL. How to watch: ESPN2.
Recent form and standings
Kansas City opened 2026 with a 2-1 home win over the Utah Royals. That result put KC at 1-0-0 with three points and second place. Chicago began with a 0-4 loss at Angel City and sits 0-0-1 in 14th place.
What happened in week one
Kansas City trailed at halftime versus Utah. The Royals had never scored on KC before this match. KC rallied after the break to secure the victory.
Chicago suffered a heavy defeat to Angel City. The match ended 4-0 and exposed defensive problems for the Stars.
Personnel and roster notes
Kansas City’s two high-profile arrivals made immediate impacts. Croix Bethune justified a substantial transfer fee in the opener. Ally Sentnor showed promise while operating as a central striker.
Several Current regulars remain unavailable. Chawinga, LaBonta, and Rodríguez have returned to training. They are unlikely to be match-ready this weekend.
Midfield and rotation
- Bayley Feist played a full shift in defensive midfield.
- Katie Scott and Gabby Robinson moved from defense into midfield roles.
- Wingers Bethune, Hocking, Cooper, and Hopkins logged 35–55 minutes each.
Chicago Stars snapshot
The Stars finished last in 2025. They lost a key forward, Ludmila, to San Diego. Mallory Swanson remains on maternity leave after a November birth.
Chicago added Canadian international Jordyn Huitema this offseason. Jameese Joseph remains a rising attacking option.
Goalkeeper and experience
Alyssa Naeher is the Stars’ veteran goalkeeper. She has World Cup and Olympic medals. Naeher retired from international duty about a year ago. She was named FIFA best goalkeeper in 2024.
Her season opener featured at least one costly error. The result increased questions about Chicago’s defensive stability.
Coaching and tactical context
Chris Armas is in his first NWSL season with Kansas City. The opening 45 minutes versus Utah raised tactical questions. The second-half comeback offered positive signs for the coach.
Filmogaz.com sees the upcoming fixture as an early test of Armas’ system. A strong performance in Chicago would ease immediate concerns.
Schedule congestion and strategy
Kansas City faces a demanding stretch after this match. The team embarks on a week-long, three-match turf road trip. Dates fall on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Coaches will likely rotate players to manage load. Expect younger or rotational starters to see more minutes on Sunday.
Key numbers
- KC record: 1-0-0 (3 points).
- Chicago record: 0-0-1 (0 points).
- KC last match: 2-1 win vs Utah Royals at CPKC Stadium.
- Chicago last match: 0-4 loss at Angel City FC.
Outlook
If Kansas City shows the same second-half quality, this match should tilt in their favor. Chicago’s roster questions and early defensive lapses make them vulnerable.
Still, KC must manage minutes carefully during the congested week. Departing Illinois with another win would be crucial for momentum.
