Kickoff: 6:00 PM CT
Venue: CTE Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park — Kansas City, Missouri
Broadcast: NWSL+, CBS Sports Golazo, Local Affiliates
Venue Profile — CTE Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park
- Location: Kansas City, MO (Riverfront District)
- Capacity: 11,500
- Surface: Natural grass
- Dimensions: 115 x 75 yards
- Atmosphere: One of the league’s most electric home environments
- Home Advantage: KC is 4‑1‑0 at home since the start of April 2025
The Current’s new stadium has quickly become a fortress, with a compact design that amplifies crowd noise and creates a high‑pressure environment for visiting teams.
Weather Outlook (Kansas City, MO)
- Temperature: 78°F at kickoff → 71°F by full time
- Humidity: 55–60%
- Wind: 8–12 mph from the southwest
- Rain Chance: 10%
- Impact:
- Mild humidity but excellent playing conditions
- Slight crosswind may affect long diagonals
- Fast pitch favors Portland’s wide attacking patterns
Injury Report
Kansas City Current
- Debinha — Questionable (ankle sprain) Training in limited fashion; massive swing factor.
- Vanessa DiBernardo — Out (knee) Hurts KC’s midfield distribution.
- Elizabeth Ball — Probable (shoulder) Expected to start in central defense.
- Temwa Chawinga — Probable (fatigue) Should be available for 60–75 minutes.
Portland Thorns
- Sophia Smith — Probable (minor quad tightness) Expected to start; Portland’s most important attacker.
- Becky Sauerbrunn — Out (foot) Veteran leadership missing in the back line.
- Morgan Weaver — Probable (ankle) Likely to start on the left.
- Sam Coffey — Probable (illness) Expected to play; crucial midfield anchor.
Team Records
- Portland Thorns: 7‑2‑2 (23 points) — 2nd in NWSL
- Kansas City Current: 5‑5‑0 (15 points) — 8th in NWSL
Recent Form
Portland Thorns
- Last 5: W‑W‑D‑W‑L
- Goals For: 12
- Goals Against: 6
- Strengths: Elite attacking trio, strong midfield control, high‑tempo transitions
- Weaknesses: Occasional defensive lapses without Sauerbrunn
Kansas City Current
- Last 5: L‑W‑L‑W‑L
- Goals For: 7
- Goals Against: 9
- Strengths: Explosive counterattacks, strong wing play, high‑energy pressing
- Weaknesses: Defensive inconsistency, midfield injuries, reliance on Chawinga
Series History
- All‑time meetings: Portland leads 6‑3‑4
- At Kansas City: Even (2‑2‑2)
- Last meeting (2025): Portland won 3–1 at Providence Park
- KC has not beaten Portland at home since 2022
Portland’s attacking depth has historically overwhelmed KC’s defensive structure.
Key Player Matchups
Sophia Smith (POR) vs. Elizabeth Ball (KC)
- Smith’s pace, dribbling, and finishing are elite
- Ball must stay compact and avoid isolation
- If Smith wins this duel, Portland controls the match
Temwa Chawinga (KC) vs. Kelli Hubly (POR)
- Chawinga is one of the league’s most dangerous transition forwards
- Hubly’s positioning and recovery speed will be tested
- A high‑leverage matchup that could swing momentum
Sam Coffey (POR) vs. Lo’eau LaBonta (KC)
- Coffey dictates tempo and distribution
- LaBonta is KC’s emotional and tactical engine
- Whoever wins this midfield battle controls possession
Morgan Weaver (POR) vs. Hailie Mace (KC)
- Weaver’s directness vs. Mace’s athleticism
- A physical, high‑intensity flank duel
Betting Trends
Portland Thorns
- 4‑1 ATS in last 5
- Over has hit in 5 of last 7
- Portland has scored 2+ goals in 6 of last 8
- Road record: 3‑1‑1 this season
Kansas City Current
- 2‑3 ATS in last 5
- Over has hit in 4 of last 6
- KC has conceded first in 5 of last 7
- Home record: 3‑2‑0 this season
Head‑to‑Head Trends
- Portland unbeaten in last 5 vs. KC
- Both teams scored in 6 of last 8
- Over 2.5 goals in 5 of last 7
MATCH ODDS
Portland Thorns + 135
Kansas City Current + 165
Draw + 245
Over 2.5 -115 Under 2.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 23, 2026
