The NWSL’s Olympic break has brought a new competition to spice up the season: the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Kansas City Current are preparing to face the Houston Dash in a battle that promises to be intense and full of emotion. This is the kick-off of the group stage of the tournament, which brings together all 14 NWSL teams and the six best Liga MX Femenil teams, divided into five groups. In Group C, in addition to Current and Dash, are Pachuca and Tigres UANL, making this the only group with two Liga MX clubs.

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Kansas City come into the competition on the back of an impressive performance in the NWSL regular season, occupying second place in the table and boasting the league’s best attack, with 40 goals in 16 games. In the last game before the break, on July 6, Current faced Orlando Pride in a match that was a true battle of the unbeaten giants. Barbra Banda opened the scoring for the Pride, but Temwa Chawinga, with his incomparable skill, equalized soon after, scoring his 12th goal of the season. The 2-1 defeat to the Pride ended Current’s 18-game unbeaten run, but they are ready to return in full force in the Summer Cup.

The Houston Dash, on the other hand, are coming off a 1-0 defeat against the Chicago Red Stars, snapping a five-game scoreless streak. The Dash defense, however, remains solid, with the second highest number of shutouts in the league. The absence of goalkeeper Jane Campbell, called up as an alternate for the US Olympic team, will be an additional challenge for the Dash.

This will be the third meeting between Kansas City and Houston this season. In the last meeting, on June 28, Current won 2-0, with Temwa Chawinga scoring twice in three second-half minutes. The Dash have yet to overcome Current’s defense this season, but Houston’s front line, with players like Ramona Bachmann and Michelle Cooper, is expected to create opportunities in the Summer Cup.

CPKC Stadium, Current’s home, will host this clash and other international Summer Cup matches, welcoming high-caliber talent. Top players such as Nichelle Prince, from the Canadian national team, and Lauren, from Brazil, will be absent, representing their countries at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With Campbell’s absence, substitute goalkeeper Heather Hinz will have the opportunity to shine. Dash goalkeeping coach Eric Klenofsky has worked hard with the goalkeepers to prepare them for the tournament. The match promises to be a real litmus test for Hinz, who will be under the spotlight.

Current’s attack, led by Chawinga, has been relentless this season. Michelle Cooper, known for creating chances and dangerous crosses, will also be a key cog in the attack. The Dash defense, although solid, will have a big challenge ahead of them to contain Current’s dynamic duo.

Houston Dash enter the competition with a history of international matches, including the Women’s International Champions Cup in 2021 and friendlies against Tigres UANL. International experience could be an asset for the Dash as they look to overcome Kansas City Current and advance in the Summer Cup.

The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup promises to be a soccer spectacle, with exciting matches and the chance to see some of the world’s best players in action. For Kansas City Current and Houston Dash, the road to glory begins now, and every game will be an intense battle for the title.