Kansas City Current’s MVP Star Sidelined with Injury at Season Start

Kansas City Current's MVP winner Temwa Chawinga will be absent from the team's season opener due to an ongoing adductor injury. The 27-year-old star, who also claimed the league's top scorer award last season, has been recovering since suffering the injury in October.

The Kansas City Current will begin their season without their star player, as 2025 National Women’s Soccer League MVP Temwa Chawinga remains sidelined due to an adductor injury that has kept her out since October.

Head coach Chris Armas addressed the situation with media on Friday, providing an update on the team’s top performer.

“She’s not available yet, but she’s getting closer,” Armas told reporters, though he wouldn’t specify when fans might see her return to action.

The injury occurred during Kansas City’s October 18th match against Houston Dash, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Chawinga’s absence forced her to sit out the entire playoff run, contributing to the top-seeded Current’s surprising 2-1 elimination by eighth-seeded NJ/NY Gotham FC.

According to Armas, the team is taking a cautious approach with their MVP’s rehabilitation.

“We’re seeing her out on the training pitch these days, but it’s such a demanding season for these athletes, especially the demands that she puts into games. She’s getting close. We still are managing it the right way,” the coach explained.

The 27-year-old forward had a remarkable 2024 campaign, not only earning MVP honors but also capturing the Golden Boot award with 15 regular season goals. Her outstanding performance also earned her a spot on the league’s Best XI team.

Saturday’s home opener against Utah Royals will mark a milestone for Armas as well, as the former New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids manager makes his NWSL coaching debut. Before joining Major League Soccer, Armas led the women’s soccer program at Adelphi University, where he was also a student.