Three players to watch: Kansas City Current
(image via Kansas City Current)
Each week we’ll be looking more into the Houston Dash’s opponent, talking to media that covers the team, digging into what we can expect from that squad, and in this series, taking a look at three players to watch from the upcoming opponent. The Dash are on the road this weekend for a clash with a red-hot Kansas City side. Here are three players to keep an eye on from the Current in tomorrow’s match.
Temwa Chawinga
With 3 goals in her first 4 games of 2025 and coming off of a 20-goal season in 2024, Chawinga is unquestionably KC’s biggest offensive weapon, and maybe the biggest in all of the NWSL. Her speed and technical skill make her a constant threat—and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
She thrives in transition, something I’ve consistently highlighted as a major weakness for Houston. Whoever is at fullback for the Dash, they’ll need to stay sharp against Chawinga’s clever central drops and diagonal runs that slice through backlines. On top of her attacking prowess, Chawinga contributes defensively as well, often tracking back to support KC head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s heavy press. She’s the blueprint for a modern attacker—and as she looks to defend her 2024 Golden Boot and MVP, she’ll want another big performance.
Debinha
One of the most creative forces in KC’s midfield, Debinha is among the league’s elite when it comes to offensive vision. She dictates pace, finds smart spaces, and helps KC move the ball quickly and intelligently. Her agility and dribbling make her dangerous even when passing lanes close—she can carve out her own options.
In her 2023 debut season for KC, she scored 9 goals, a club record at the time. In 2024, she added 6 assists, showcasing her value as a playmaker. Debinha isn’t just flair—she’s reliable when the Current needs her most.
Izzy Rodriguez
A dynamic left-back who fits perfectly into KC’s counter-attacking identity, Izzy Rodriguez started 18 games last season and continues to be a consistent starter this year. The reason I’m highlighting her? Because I expect the Current to lean heavily on the wings against Houston.
Rodriguez is key to progressing the ball from defense to attack, and I’m confident she’ll be instrumental in doing just that on Saturday. Don’t be surprised if she picks up an assist—she’s got the tools to make a big impact.