Cindy Lara (American Soccer Analysis): "There's a lot of skepticism to say we don't know what this coach is going to do. We don't know hi..."

American Soccer Analysis · March 12, 2026 · 33 min

EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Kansas City Current, with Cindy Lara of KC Soccer Journal

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Chris Armas hiring

There's a lot of skepticism to say we don't know what this coach is going to do. We don't know his game plan. I think for there to be an unknown and not sure what we're going to get, I think that's fair considering that this isn't a coach who really has proved himself in the NWSL.

Croy Bethune trade

I do believe that this was Chris and Angie going after a major player. They are able to spend that money. They are able to invest. That's been their whole deal. Invest, invest. And even if it means moving on from a player like Claire Hutton.

Kansas City Current ownership

There's a lot I think that we are starting to see that the Longs are maybe a little too involved with this team and what is happening. You obviously want owners to be there and to be involved, but how much is too much?

Vlatko Andonovski's role change

Is it possible that Vlatko has been sidelined or put in time out? They certainly sell it as a promotion that he wanted, but is that just more like a PR type situation?

USWNT injury update

Lola Bonta is apparently nursing an injury, which Emma Hayes sort of implied that might have been why she was not called into U.S. Women's National Team camp.

Croy Bethune injury concerns

Bethune also coming with her is injuries. She has carried injuries the past two seasons. We don't know how she's going to be used from a Chris Armas standpoint.

Temwa Chawinga injury status

With Temwa, I think that is the question mark. She may not be ready for that first game. Could it be because of national team duty, or they're also just being very cautious?

NWSL tactical analysis

I think it is easier to recreate a Claire Hutton than it is to create the upside of a Croy Bethune. If you add Croy Bethune to this team, you're potentially resolving a lot of things like lock-picking that was a real problem for Kansas City come the playoffs.