On July 19, the KC Current II squad beat the New York Athletic Club in a 1-0 victory. The Current lifted the trophy and managed to make themselves known as the team to beat in the largest and longest-running women’s soccer league. Let’s have a look at the players who made all the difference in the match, along with a view into what the WPSL (Women’s Professional Soccer League) is.
Championship Match and Goalscorers
The match was held in Riverside, Missouri and was anticipated by many. KC Current II are somewhat new to the WPSL since being founded in 2022. The obvious connection with the KC Current NWSL squad has been a key reason as to why the KC Current II has emerged as successful.
As for the NYAC, the team is one of the longest-tenured clubs in the league. So, this match really demonstrated a new wave of excitement with a new franchise versus a more experienced franchise. Even so, NYAC had a stellar 2026 with new highs being reached in its franchise, such as upholding an undefeated regular season record.
The match between the two teams can be described as bland since it was only a 1-0 score. Yet, it was a competitive battle to the very finish. NYAC had dealt with some last-minute roster changes with one of their key midfielders, Victoria Vinals, leaving the squad for collegiate commitments. Avery Clark, forward for the KC Current II, put the finishing header to Ally Henry’s corner kick, which got the team the victory and Clark the WPSL Most Outstanding Player award.
What is the WPSL?
Many soccer fans are aware of the NWSL, which showcases the top-tier, division 1 players and squads. Well, WPSL came prior to the NWSL and has been operating since 1998. The league spans across 40 states with 144 teams, making it the largest women’s soccer league in the nation.
It is a league that aims to bridge amateur and pre-professional level talent. Many elite legends, such as Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Brandi Chastain, played in the WPSL. There is also the WPSL expansion, known as WPSL Pro, which provides division III level opportunities. It serves to instill a professional pipeline for amateur players who develop within the WPSL.
Since many soccer teams tend to experience breaks during the summer, the WPSLis a useful space for collegiate players to continue developing. Colleges do allow their players to compete during the off-season for the WPSL. It is great to see the women’s game has many avenues for players. There is great talent on the field in many places, and the WPSL wants to be able to help those players develop no matter where they are in the States.
Featured image via @kccurrentii
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