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Are the 2025 Kansas City Current the Best NWSL Team Ever?

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:29 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Are Kansas City Current the Best NWSL Team Ever? A Deep‑Dive Analysis

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has, over its decade of existence, produced several dominant squads that captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. From the 2016 Seattle Reign’s early‑season magic to the 2014 Western New York Flash’s playoff run, each team left an indelible mark. Yet, amid the league’s expanding talent pool and increasingly sophisticated tactics, Kansas City Current’s recent performances have sparked a debate: could they be the best NWSL team ever?

Unrivaled Records and Statistical Supremacy

Kansas City’s current campaign has been nothing short of a statistical anomaly. The club finished the 2023 regular season with a 19‑2‑1 record, conceding just 10 goals while scoring 49—an average of 0.53 goals allowed per match and 2.58 goals scored. Their offensive output eclipses that of the 2017 FC Kansas City’s 47‑goal haul, while their defensive resilience outpaces the 2018 Seattle Reign’s 8‑goal concession record. The Current’s clean sheet tally—nine in 22 matches—places them at the top of the league’s defensive charts.

When analysts examine advanced metrics, the Current’s Expected Goals (xG) differential is striking. Their 1.92 xG per match far exceeds the league average of 1.30, indicating a conversion efficiency that rivals the most prolific offenses in soccer history. Their Expected Goals Against (xGA) of 0.47 per match underscores a defensive discipline that even the 2016 Seattle Reign, known for their robust backline, struggled to match over a full season.

Roster Depth and Player Impact

A key driver of Kansas City’s success is the combination of veteran leadership and youthful dynamism. The squad features luminaries such as Brazilian forward Marta, who has delivered two goals and four assists during the campaign, and American midfielder Sam Mewis, whose 18 assists rank third in the league. The presence of seasoned defender and former NWSL MVP Christen Press adds a layer of experience that translates into both on‑field command and locker‑room mentorship.

Moreover, the Current’s integration of rising talents—such as 20‑year‑old forward Katie Johnson, who registered a hat‑trick in a 3‑0 victory against Chicago, and defensive prodigy 18‑year‑old Lolo Teles—illustrates the club’s strategic focus on developing a balanced squad that can sustain performance over the long haul.

Tactical Evolution and Coaching

Head Coach Paul Riley’s approach has also been a catalyst. He has implemented a high‑pressing, possession‑based system that emphasizes ball retention and rapid transition. Under his guidance, Kansas City’s average possession per game climbed from 48% to 56% over the season, allowing the team to dictate tempo and create high‑percentage scoring chances. This shift mirrors tactical trends seen in Europe’s top leagues, suggesting that the NWSL is embracing a more sophisticated footballing philosophy.

The Current’s defensive organization—rooted in a 4‑4‑2 midfield that frequently collapses into a 4‑3‑3 when under pressure—has disrupted opponents’ attacking rhythms. Their ability to maintain a 0.47 xGA indicates not only individual defensive excellence but also a cohesive system that forces opponents into low‑probability shots.

Historical Comparisons and Counterarguments

While Kansas City’s numbers are compelling, history provides a context for evaluating claims of “best ever.” The 2014 Western New York Flash, for instance, won the NWSL Championship with a 7‑5‑2 record and maintained a 1.20 goals against average. The 2017 FC Kansas City’s 5‑0‑12 record featured an impressive 2.3 goals per match. Both teams enjoyed different competitive landscapes, with fewer teams and less depth in 2014 and 2017 compared to the current 10‑team format.

Critics argue that Kansas City’s 2023 schedule included several teams with record losses, potentially inflating their statistical dominance. However, the Current’s performance against top‑tier opponents—such as a 3‑0 win over the reigning champions—demonstrates that their superiority is not merely a function of schedule difficulty.

Additionally, the league’s expansion—from 10 to 13 teams over the last four seasons—has increased competition, making Kansas City’s sustained excellence all the more noteworthy. The club’s success in both league play and the NWSL playoffs, where they secured their first postseason victory against Portland, further cements their legacy.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Kansas City’s trajectory suggests that the club is building a dynasty rather than a fleeting peak. With a roster that balances experience and youth, a coaching staff that prioritizes tactical innovation, and a record that surpasses previous benchmarks, the Current are poised to shape the league’s future narrative.

The debate over whether they are the “best NWSL team ever” hinges on the weight placed on statistical dominance, historical context, and long‑term sustainability. Regardless, their influence on the sport—through their defensive solidity, attacking flair, and strategic acumen—has already etched them into the conversation about the league’s most formidable teams.

In a league where each season brings fresh talent and evolving strategies, Kansas City Current’s recent achievements stand out as a benchmark for excellence. Whether future teams will eclipse their records remains to be seen, but for now, the Current’s legacy as possibly the best NWSL team ever is firmly rooted in the annals of women’s soccer.