Defending their record-breaking 2025 NWSL Shield campaign, first-seed Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC (host eighth-seed) in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs Quarterfinals on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at CPKC Stadium.
The Current seek their first championship title after a historic regular season that shattered multiple NWSL records. At the same time, Gotham—the 2023 NWSL champions—aim to upset the league’s most dominant team after a disappointing Decision Day collapse. This quarterfinal matchup pits a record-breaking juggernaut against a wounded championship contender desperately seeking playoff redemption.
The Kansas City Current head into the 2025 NWSL quarter-finals in dominant fashion, having clinched the Shield with a league-record 65 points and boasting both the fewest goals conceded and most wins in league history.
Meanwhile, Gotham FC, the 2023 champions, secured a wild-card playoff berth from eighth place and face a daunting road trip to CPKC Stadium. As the league’s best meets a resilient challenger, this battle sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Tournament: NWSL Playoffs 2025 – Quarterfinals
- Match Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Kickoff Time:
- USA: 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT
- Europe: 5:30 PM GMT / 6:30 PM CET
- Local (Kansas City, Missouri): 12:30 PM CT
- Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Kansas City Current: W–D–W–W–W (5 Wins, 0 Draws, 0 Losses)
- Gotham FC: L–L–D–D–L (0 Wins, 2 Draws, 3 Losses)
Team Form & Recent Performance – Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC
Kansas City Current wrapped up a record-setting 2025 regular season as the NWSL Shield winners, finishing top of the table and claiming the Shield with games to spare. The Current closed out the campaign with an outstanding 21–3–2 record and 65 points, setting single-season marks for wins and points while also leading the league in defensive solidity.
Kansas City’s balanced attack and rock-solid defence defined the season — the side recorded the fewest goals conceded and a league-high number of shutouts, and forward Temwa Chawinga won the 2025 NWSL Golden Boot with 15 goals, underlining her status as the team’s main threat.
Chawinga did pick up an adductor injury in mid-October and is currently day-to-day; head coach Vlatko Andonovski warned she would miss the immediate fixture but left open the possibility of a return later in the playoffs.
Gotham FC finished the regular season in 8th place and scraped into the playoffs on Decision Day despite a 3–2 defeat to the North Carolina Courage — a result that cost Gotham a higher seed but still secured their spot in the post-season. Esther González, Gotham’s leading scorer, missed the Decision Day match with a hip issue after a strong scoring campaign.
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Win–Draw–Loss Record |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Current | vs San Diego (W) vs Houston (W) vs Washington (W) vs Gotham (W) vs Racing Louisville (W) | 5W–0D–0L |
| Gotham FC | vs North Carolina (L) vs Chicago (L) vs Portland (D) vs Racing Louisville (D) vs Orlando (L) | 0W–2D–3L |
Head-to-Head Record – Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC
The historical dominance of Kansas City Current over Gotham FC is absolute and unprecedented. In their all-time NWSL rivalry, Kansas City holds a commanding 6-0-5 record (6 wins, 0 losses, 5 draws) across 11 meetings.
This unbeaten streak dates back to Gotham’s entrance into the NWSL under their previous ownership structure. Most significantly, Kansas City won the most recent regular-season encounter 2-0 at CPKC Stadium on October 11, with Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga scoring in a dominant performance in which Gotham managed just seven shots.
The first playoff meeting between these teams adds dramatic intrigue, but the overwhelming statistical advantage belongs to Kansas City.
Gotham’s 2023 championship success and previous NWSL pedigree provide no comfort, given the Current’s recent demolition of the league’s competition. The gap between 1st and 8th seeds—particularly given the current form trajectories—has rarely been starker in NWSL playoff history.
Overall All-Time Record (Since 2013)
| Metric | Kansas City Current | Gotham FC | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 24 | — | — |
| Wins | 20 | 0 | 2 |
| Win % | 83% | 0% | 8% |
| Total Goals For | 59 | 7 | — |
Recent Meetings (Last 5 Encounters)
| Date | Competition | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2025 | NWSL Regular Season | Kansas City vs Gotham | Won | 2–0 |
| 2 Jun 2025 | NWSL Regular Season | Gotham vs Kansas City | Won | 0–2 |
| 19 Apr 2025 | NWSL Regular Season | Kansas City vs Gotham | Draw | 2–2 |
| 7 Sep 2024 | NWSL Regular Season | Gotham vs Kansas City | Draw | 1–1 |
| 18 May 2024 | NWSL Regular Season | Kansas City vs Gotham | Won | 3–2 |
Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC Predicted Lineups
With the dominant Kansas City Current having claimed the 2025 Shield and Gotham FC sneaking into the playoffs as the 8th seed, the quarter-final sets the stage for standout individual battles that could tilt the tie.
Based on current squad availability, recent tactical setups, and playoff form, here are the expected starting elevens:
Kansas City Current Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Lorena
- Defenders: Wheeler, Alana Cook, Hailie Mace, Ellie Wheeler
- Midfield (double pivot): Lo’eau LaBonta, Claire Hutton
- Attacking trio: Debinha, Vanessa DiBernardo, Michelle Cooper
- Striker: Temwa Chawinga
Gotham FC Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Ann-Katrin Berger
- Defenders: Jess Carter, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett, Lilly Reale
- Midfield (three): Rose Lavelle, Jaelin Howell, Sofia Cook
- Forwards: Esther González, Gabi Portilho, Cece Kizer
Players to Watch – Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC
Kansas City Current
- Temwa Chawinga (Forward) – Coming off a strong season, Chawinga remains the focal point of KC’s attack. Her pace, movement, and finishing make her one of the key threats in the NWSL.
- Lo’eau LaBonta (Midfielder & Captain) – The team captain whose creativity, box-to-box work and leadership are central to KC controlling games and creating scoring opportunities.
- Alana Cook (Defender) – A strong presence in defence with international experience, Cook helps anchor KC’s backline and is crucial to maintaining their solid defensive record.
Gotham FC
- Geyse (Forward) – A newer addition to Gotham’s attack, the Brazilian forward brings international pedigree and goal-threat potential; she could be the difference if Gotham are to upset KC.
- Rose Lavelle (Midfielder) – A creative engine for Gotham, Lavelle’s ability to unlock defences and influence the tempo will be key as Gotham look to disrupt KC’s rhythm.
- Tierna Davidson (Captain, Defender) – As club captain, Davidson brings experience and stability; her role in defending against KC’s wide threats and keeping structure will be vital.
Match Preview & Tactical Analysis
Kansas City Current enters as overwhelming favorites, backed by historic dominance, superior regular-season form, perfect home record, and psychological advantage from their recent 2-0 demolition of Gotham. Manager Andonovskι will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive organization and swift transitions.
With Temwa Chawinga unavailable (at least initially), Kansas City will rely on Bia Zaneratto’s goal-scoring and Debinha’s midfield creativity to open Gotham’s defense. The Current’s tactical approach emphasizes early pressing, possession control, and breaking forward on turnovers—the same formula that overwhelmed Gotham in October.
Gotham FC face a herculean challenge, requiring near-perfect execution and a dramatic performance unlike anything demonstrated in recent matches. The Robins will likely employ a flexible 4-3-3 formation, seeking to press Kansas City’s backline early while relying on Rose Lavelle’s creativity and Jaedyn Shaw’s width to create scoring opportunities.
Gotham’s only realistic path involves absorbing Kansas City’s early pressure, maintaining defensive shape despite self-inflicted mistakes, and capitalizing on any defensive lapses through individual brilliance.
The tactical mismatch heavily favors Kansas City: elite defense and cohesive midfield organization versus a team hemorrhaging points late-season. Kansas City’s home advantage at CPKC Stadium—where they’ve lost only once since 2024—compounds Gotham’s disadvantage.
- Prediction: Kansas City Current 3–1 Gotham FC
How to Watch Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC Live
Watch the Kansas City Current vs Gotham FC NWSL Playoffs Quarterfinal live with these broadcasting options:
| Region | Broadcaster | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ABC / ESPN | 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT |
| United Kingdom | Streaming services | 5:30 PM GMT |
| Europe (Germany) | Streaming partners | 6:30 PM CET |
| India | Streaming services | 11:00 PM IST (Mon, Nov 10) |
| Canada | Streaming services | 12:30 PM CT |
| Australia | Streaming partners | 1:30 AM AEDT (Mon, Nov 10) |