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How the KC Current Can Upset No. 1 Ranked Portland Thorns (Odds and Prediction for Tonight’s Match)

By Joseph Summers

Jun 24, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kansas City Current midfielder Debinha (99) chases down the ball during the second half against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kansas City Current midfielder Debinha (99) chases down the ball during the second half against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The KC Current (4-9-0) face an uphill battle tonight against the Portland Thorns (7-2-4), who lead the NWSL in points and sit atop the standings.

KC won two of its last three matches by a combined score of 8-4, so the offense is playing well and will be the key to any upset bid.

This may be the right time to strike against the Thorns, as they’ve lost two of their past four contests, including dropping one to the same Orlando Pride team the Current defeated last week.

Can the Current stun the NWSL world and pull off the upset tonight? Here are the odds before we look at how KC can win.

KC Current vs Portland Thorns Odds, Spread, and Total

  • KC Current: +475
  • Portland Thorns: -225
  • Draw: +450
  • Total: Over 2.5 Goals (-175)/Under 2.5 Goals (+130)

odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

KC Current vs. Portland Thorns Prediction and Pick

The Current can learn a lot from Orlando’s game plan that resulted in Portland’s first loss of the season on Wednesday. In that game, the Reign maintained constant pressure thanks to a pair of timely early subs to keep the players on the field fresh.

By controlling possession and continuously attacking, Orlando prevented the Thorns from getting comfortable offensively and squeaked out a narrow 1-0 win.

KC can utilize star midfielder Debinha to execute a similar plan, possessing the ball in the middle third of the field to look for attacking angles outside. Debinha has a goal in three straight contests and it’s hard to see the Current staying competitive unless she stays hot.

Defender Elizabeth Ball will be a critical component as well, as her return from injury coincided with the Current’s recent offensive improvements. Ball is excellent at starting an attack quickly from the backline and I anticipate we’ll see some quick strikes to try to catch Portland by surprise.

When the Reign beat the Thorns, they amassed four offsides calls. That indicates Orlando was consistently looking to beat Portland with through passes and long balls. KC will need to do the same to keep their opponent uncomfortable.

Portland’s losses this season have come when the club is on its heels and can’t control possession. If the Current stay aggressive and let Debinha and Ball shine, they’ll be in a position to steal their biggest and most impressive win of the season.

Pick: KC Current +475

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 

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