If you’ve been following the NWSL for a minute, you know that the Portland Thorns vs KC Current rivalry has turned into one of the weirdest, most lopsided puzzles in the league. It wasn’t always like this. Portland used to be the gold standard, the team everyone feared. But lately? Kansas City has basically built a permanent residence in Portland's head.
The 2026 season schedule just dropped, and looking at those dates—March 28 at Providence Park and May 24 at CPKC Stadium—honestly feels like a massive gut check for the Thorns. We’re talking about a Portland team that has lost five straight regular-season games to the Current. Five. In a league with this much parity, that kind of streak is almost unheard of.
The Mental Block at Providence Park
Last August, I watched the Thorns lose 2-0 at home. It was brutal. Ellie Wheeler (now Ellie Bravo-Young) scored in the first minute. Literally 55 seconds in. You could feel the air just get sucked out of the stadium. Portland had been on this massive 10-match home unbeaten streak, and KC just came in and snapped it like a dry twig.
Temwa Chawinga, who is basically a cheat code at this point, put the nail in the coffin in the 71st minute. What's wild is that Portland actually had most of the ball—over 60% possession. They knocked on the door over and over, but Lorena was a wall in goal. It’s the same story every time these two meet lately: Portland plays "better" soccer, but KC scores the goals.
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Why the 2026 Roster Shakeup Changes Everything
Here is the thing no one is talking about yet: the Thorns just lost their heartbeat. Sam Coffey, the captain and the literal engine of that midfield, is gone. She transferred to Manchester City just as the 2026 preseason was kicking off. You don't just "replace" a Sam Coffey. She was the one who could actually settle the game down when KC started their chaotic transition sprints.
Now, interim head coach Sarah Lowdon has to figure out a way to stop the KC track meet without her best defensive midfielder.
On the flip side, Kansas City is dealing with their own drama. They won the NWSL Shield in 2025, but they are limping into 2026. Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper are both starting the season on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list. That is a massive chunk of their offense gone. If you're a Thorns fan, you’re probably thinking, "Okay, finally, a break." But the Current still has Debinha. They still have Lo’eau LaBonta. They still have that "find a way to win" DNA that Chris Armas is inherited as the new head coach.
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Head-to-Head: The Stats That Hurt
If you look at the historical data for Portland Thorns vs KC Current, it’s a tale of two eras. Early on, Portland went unbeaten in their first eight meetings. It was total dominance. Since then? The Current has outscored the Thorns 13-6 over their last four wins.
- The Early Bird Special: KC has scored in the first half in three straight games against Portland.
- The Road Warriors: KC notched six straight road wins in 2025, including that 2-0 stunner in Portland.
- The 5-4 Fever Dream: Nobody forgets the 2024 season opener where they combined for nine goals. It was pure chaos, and it set the tone for this being the most unpredictable fixture in the NWSL.
Portland is still leaning heavily on Olivia Moultrie, who, let's be real, is carrying a lot on her shoulders for a 20-year-old. She’s got the most goal contributions by a teenager in league history, but she needs Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) back at 100% after her maternity leave to really threaten that KC backline.
How to Watch and What to Expect in 2026
The first meeting of 2026 happens on Saturday, March 28. It’s a 1:00 PM PT kickoff at Providence Park, and it’s going to be on CBS and Paramount+. This is huge for the league—putting this specific matchup on big CBS shows they know the drama is real here.
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Expect a lot of tactical chess. Sarah Lowdon will likely try to clog the wings where Izzy Rodriguez and Ellie Bravo-Young like to operate. If Portland can survive the first 15 minutes without conceding—something they haven't done well against KC lately—the game opens up.
Keep an eye on the new faces too. KC added some serious college talent like Gianna Paul and Laney Rouse. Portland is still searching for a permanent head coach, which is a bit of a red flag heading into March.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the First 10 Minutes: In the last three meetings, the team that scores first hasn't just won; they've dominated the tempo. If KC scores early again, it’s likely over.
- Midfield Battle: Without Sam Coffey, watch how Jessie Fleming adjusts. If she can't shield the back four, Debinha will have a field day in the pockets.
- Home Field Advantage?: It’s fading. Portland used to be a fortress, but the Current has won on their last two trips to Oregon. Don't assume a home win for the Thorns.
- Injury Reports: Check the status of Morgan Weaver. Portland desperately needs her verticality to stretch the KC defense that, while solid, can be caught out by pure pace.
The Portland Thorns vs KC Current match is no longer just another game on the calendar. It’s a litmus test for whether Portland can still claim to be an elite club in the new NWSL era. March 28th can't get here fast enough.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you're tracking the preseason exhibition scores from the Coachella Valley Invitational in February. This will give the first real look at how Sarah Lowdon plans to structure the Thorns' midfield without Coffey. Also, keep an eye on the "High Impact Player" rule changes for 2026, as both teams still have international slots they could use to bolster their rosters before the primary transfer window closes in April.