It’s been a remarkable first half of the season for the Kansas City Current. With the team, like the rest of the NWSL, on its international break, let’s take stock of where things stand.

The Current is 11-2 and in first place by eight points. The team will take a six-game winning streak into the second half when league play resumes on Aug. 1.

Temwa Chawinga, second in the league with eight goals, is bidding to become the NWSL’s first repeat MVP.

The Current hasn’t been idle during the break. They’re in the midst of the Teal Rising Cup, a four-team tournament played at CPKC Stadium, and several of their players have been called up to national teams.

The list includes defender Izzy Rodriguez, who chatted with The Star on its weekly sports podcast, SportsBeat KC. Rodriguez made the most of her first USWNT appearance with a goal against Ireland in a friendly. She shares her reaction that special moment and what it will take for the Current to continue its winning ways.

Izzy Rodriguez shines for KC Current and in USWNT debut

Also on the podcast, Star soccer writer Daniel Sperry breaks down the Current and also looks ahead to the season’s second half.

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