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Current break NWSL points record with 2-0 win over Gotham

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 2:51 GMT by Associated Press

Kansas City’s re‑branded squad, the Current, stands at the center of a new chapter for women’s professional soccer in the United States. In a league that has grown rapidly in both popularity and financial strength, the Current’s story illustrates the challenges of a franchise that was born out of relocation, a name change, and a commitment to forging a fresh identity on the pitch.

The Current were formerly the Utah Royals, a club that played at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City until 2020 when the league announced the team’s dissolution. The franchise rights were then sold to a Kansas City consortium that brought the club to a new home at Children's Mercy Park, where it would launch the 2021 season under the new moniker. The move was meant to capitalize on Kansas City’s growing fan base and to tap into a broader market that had shown enthusiasm for the sport. In the 2022 season, the Current posted a mid‑table finish, but the team’s struggles—both on the field and in terms of locker‑room chemistry—prompted a new coaching change. Head coach Matt Potter was replaced by assistant manager Jim Bolger, who promised a more disciplined tactical approach and an emphasis on youth development.

Central to the Current’s revival has been the assembly of a core roster that blends experienced internationals with emerging domestic talent. Notably, midfielder Megan Rapinoe, a 2019 FIFA World Player of the Year, signed with Kansas City for the 2023 season, bringing star power and a high level of play to the squad. Forward Ashley Hatch also returned to the Current after a stint in Europe, and the team’s defense is anchored by veteran defender Olivia Moultrie. With these additions, the Current have shown moments of promise, but the squad still faces hurdles in terms of consistency and injury management. Coaches have emphasized the importance of depth in a league that schedules over 30 games, including multiple international tournaments that can strain roster resources.

Meanwhile, the Utah Royals have been reborn as an entirely new franchise under the ownership of the city’s local investors, who announced in late 2022 that a second Utah-based team would re-enter the NWSL in the 2024 season. The new Royals are set to play their home games at Smith's Stadium, a soccer‑focused venue that has hosted lower‑division teams in the past. While the new Royals will inherit some of the legacy of the former club, the organization plans to start with a clean slate. They have secured the services of ex‑international forward Emily Alvarado, who was a key player in the 2020 season, and they are investing heavily in youth scouting and community outreach programs to generate a grassroots fan base. “We’re not just re‑establishing a club; we’re building a brand that reflects Utah’s spirit and the future of women’s soccer,” said new team president Sara Collins during the unveiling event.

On the West Coast, San Diego Wave FC entered the league in 2022 as the latest expansion team. The Wave, named after the city’s famous Pacific Ocean, play their home games at the newly renovated Valley Field. The club has made a splash by signing high‑profile international talent, including Spanish forward Cristina Cabanillas and German midfielder Lisa Mühl. Their 2023 season has been marked by spirited play and an aggressive marketing strategy, which included a partnership with the San Diego Padres and a youth academy program designed to funnel local talent into the first team. The Wave’s fan engagement has been notable, with sold‑out crowds for several home fixtures and an active social media presence that highlights the team’s community initiatives.

Across the league, New York Gotham FC has remained a perennial contender. The Gotham, a team owned by the same ownership group as the MLS club New York City FC, has consistently been among the top four teams in the standings. Their 2023 campaign included a run to the NWSL playoffs, where they were eliminated in the conference finals. Gotham’s head coach, Jennifer Calhoun, praised the team’s resilience in the face of injuries and said that the club is poised for another strong season.

Collectively, the stories of the Kansas City Current, the newly re‑established Utah Royals, and the San Diego Wave illustrate the dynamic nature of the NWSL. Each team reflects a different strategy for growth: Kansas City’s emphasis on high‑profile signings and community integration, Utah’s grassroots‑focused approach, and San Diego’s blend of marquee talent and local identity. As the league continues to expand—both in the number of teams and the reach of its broadcast deals—fans can expect a more competitive and diverse landscape, with each franchise carving out its unique place in the sport’s evolving narrative.