NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga to miss start of season for Current

Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current, the 2025 MVP of the National Women's Soccer League, will miss the beginning of the season as she continues to recover from an adductor injury.

Current head coach Chris Armas confirmed the news to reporters on Friday.

"She's not available yet, but she's getting closer," Armas said, declining to provide a timeline.

Chawinga suffered the injury last Oct. 18 in a 1-0 loss to the Houston Dash. She subsequently missed the playoffs, and the No. 1-seeded Current lost 2-1 to No. 8 NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Managing her return is key, Armas said.

"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," Armas said.

Chawinga, 27, also won the NWSL's Golden Boot last season as the top goal scorer in the regular season with 15. She was named to the Best XI, as well.

Armas, who previously coached the New York Red Bulls and the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, will be making his NWSL debut when the Current open their season at home on Saturday against the Utah Royals.

He previously coached the women's team at Adelphi University in New York, his alma mater.

--Field Level Media