PREVIEW – On Saturday the 2022 NWSL season will conclude with a Championship match in Washington DC. When the Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current meet at Audi Field it will mark the end of a season of many highs and lows both on and off the pitch. Regardless of the outcome, this weekend’s match will be appointment viewing. It will be the end of an era and the beginning of a bright future for the league. So with that, here is my 2022 NWSL championship preview.
2022 NWSL Championship Preview: KC Current and Portland Thorns in D.C.
CRYSTAL DUNN AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!@Cdunn19 | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/COECaQuags
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 23, 2022
Portland Thorns
As the two seed the Thorns had a bye week to start the playoffs. This meant that last week’s semifinal was their first match. Portland edged out a formidable opponent in the San Diego Wave 2-1. The game winner came courtesy of a goal from substitute Crystal Dunn in stoppage time. Portland’s attack is led by league MVP Sophia Smith. Smith was the golden boot runner up with 14 goals and also contributed 3 assists in the 2022 season. However she has yet to score in the playoffs. The Thorns are also led by veterans like Canadian legend Christine Sinclair and American defender Becky Saeurbrunn. All of these assets make Portland a favorite to win this Sunday.
KANSAS CITY CURRENT ARE HEADED TO THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!@BlueKC | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/76ZtqEgzSa
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) October 24, 2022
Kansas City Current
The Current will go into the match as the underdog. But, as the five seed throughout the playoffs they have proven they’re up for the challenge. Kansas City beat the Houston dash 2-1 and then went on to shutout the top seed OL Reign 2-0 on their way to the final. Kansas City has allowed the league’s fewest goals this season thanks to the work of goalkeeper Adrianna Franch. Offensively the Current will hope that Lo’eau LaBonta will be celebrating like she did on one of the eight goals she scored this season.
Prediction
Portland represents the league’s best offense going up against the best defense of the Current. While I think it will be a close match, I think the underdogs will fall with Portland winning a shutout match 2-0. The offensive firepower will be to much for Kansas City in my opinion. If this result comes true, it will be a deserved win for a club that was front and center the explosive report by Sally Yates. Either way, this final will represent the best of the NWSL with a competitive matchup and a wealth of talent.
How to Watch
The NWSL championship will take place at 8PM ET on Saturday October 29. The match will be broadcast on CBS and can also be streamed on Paramount+.
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