Kansas City Current head coach Chris Armas had full confidence that his side could beat any other team in the NWSL as they prepared to head on the road to face Bay FC.
KC Current ended a month-plus-long winless streak by beating North Carolina Courage 3-2 last time out; it was a run that included three draws and one loss.
Armas believed his side had the capabilities to beat any team in the league, but now needed to show that by going on a winning run in the final eight games of the regular season. KC Current are ready to face Bay FC.
Belief that KC Current can beat anyone in the league
“For me, if we look at the best, ironically, there weren't a lot of wins in these last six games, but there aren't a lot of losses either. We've been winless, but we've not lost, and we've had a lot of draws.
“We’re the closest we've been to who we want to be: health-wise, sharpness, clarity, and togetherness.
“I think we're the most built for tough moments that we've ever been.
“We've had to endure some different things; we have calloused minds and calloused bodies, [because] we've been through some stuff now.
“These last eight games are a true test for us, because we believe we can beat anyone in the league.
“I think we're a really good team, and this is a moment for us to see if we can get on a run and build momentum. It's a good test for us.”
Reflection after ending a poor run of form
Having won the NWSL Shield in 2025, to be sitting seventh with eight games remaining was a disappointing spot for Kansas City Courage to be in, although it was still enough for a play-off spot.
Armas explained what had been the biggest challenges for the team in 2026, and how the team had shown good signs despite this.
“It's no secret. The team has had ups and downs this year for different reasons, and a lot of it is valid, with trying to establish our identity on the fly.
“A new identity, because so much of this has revolved around certain players who aren't on the roster anymore.
“Even this year with Temwa [Chawinga], we were so focused on her when she was out there, but we haven't had her for a lot of the year.
“That's not easy; the goals don't come as easily, which means the wins might not come as easily.
“All along the way, we've been really honest with ourselves and know we can do better. Some of it's attack-related, and some of it's defending-related.
“There have been good performances, and in moments of games, tremendous performances.”
“For us as a team, our challenge is still how consistent we can be, and how we can be consistent for 90 to 100 minutes in a game. That's our process.”
“We like where we stand right now. We want to try to build some momentum with this last win and some of the performances.
“The first half was very good. It was dominant, and it's a shame that we gave up the goal right before halftime, because we had a one-on-one that we should have gone up 4-0 [against NC Courage].
“It got closer than we'd like, but it's part of it, too. The league is difficult, and teams don't give you anything easily.”
Armas expecting a tough test from Bay
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/NWSL via Getty Images)
Despite Bay not having the best season in terms of results, sitting in 11th, Armas reiterated that they were a team with a bright future and a very big test for KC Current.
“Bay has shown that they've played in a lot of tight games. They're a tough team to beat.
“They're a young team, which comes with energy and commitment to what they do. I think they're an organised and well-coached team.
“They have a few players on that roster and team who are difference-makers in the league, and that we know really well.
“Claire Hutton, Alex Pfeiffer, and, as I've gotten to understand them, this is our first time playing against them. I've seen them play this year, but now we're taking a deep dive to understand them.
“Up the pitch, they're very good. Dangerous one-v-ones, [Racheal] Kundananji and Pfeiffer, and you can keep going.
“Lema and Huff, they have lots of players up there who can score goals and punish teams.
“They can build their attacks through lines. They have two tremendous sixes in [Hannah] Bebar and Claire Hutton, so they're a good team.
“I think it's clear what makes them good, and we're going to try to take away a lot of what makes them good.
“It'll be another big test for us, another big test on the road, but we have a lot of respect for what they're doing.
“They're a young team that's going to have a bright future, and who knows what it looks like this year.”
