Croix Bethune’s Assist: How Kansas City Current’s Midfielder Made NWSL History Against Washington

Kansas City Current midfielder Croix Bethune delivered a performance that will be remembered in NWSL history, recording her 11th assist of the season and setting a new single-season record. The assist, which came in the 17th minute against the Washington Spirit, was the first pass leading to Vanessa DiBernardo’s goal in a 2-1 win for Kansas City.

The moment mattered beyond the statistics. Bethune, who was traded from Washington in January, helped the Current take a lead against the Spirit and move closer to the top of the league’s playoff race. The result also kept Kansas City’s home form and their hopes firmly intact heading into Decision Day.

Bethune’s Record Assist Came in a Kansas City Victory

Bethune’s 11th assist of the season was not just a personal milestone. It broke the previous mark for a single NWSL regular season, a record that Bethune had shared or chased for much of the year. She entered Sunday tied with Utah Royals forward Cloé Lacasse for the most assists, but Lacasse had gone several games without an assist.

Against Washington, Bethune assisted DiBernardo’s 17th-minute goal that gave Kansas City the lead. The early strike proved pivotal as the Current held on for a 2-1 victory. It was a statement win for a team that had looked dangerous at CPKC Stadium.

From Rookie Record to NWSL Single-Season Best

Bethune first reached double-digit assists in her rookie season with the Spirit in 2024, when she recorded 10. That total was later shared. Tobin Heath of the Portland Thorns had also recorded 10 assists in the 2016 NWSL season.

Two years ago, Bethune’s pursuit of the record was derailed by a torn meniscus. She suffered the injury while throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game in August 2024, just after helping the United States win the 2024 Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer.

Now, in three seasons in the NWSL, Bethune has recorded 23 regular-season assists. She has also scored four goals this season. The latest assist, her 11th, moved her past the previous best and cemented her place among the league’s elite creators.

Bethune’s Game-Winner and the ‘Lick Back’

“I was thinking about it a lot because I wanted to break that record really bad,” Bethune told reporters after the match. “But, I mean, you can’t focus on it too much or it won’t happen. So, it’s just kind of going with the flow of the game and making sure we get the job done.”

When asked about scoring against her former team, Bethune said the win carried extra emotion. “The lick back is great,” she said, using a slang term for getting revenge.

“I just set some goals for myself and I manifest it and by the grace of God it comes true and it happens,” Bethune added.

Injury, Recovery and the Long Road Back

Sunday marked Bethune’s first start since Sept. 4, after dealing with a hip injury that also kept her out of the United States women’s national team’s recent matches against Spain. She came off the bench for 26 minutes last week for the Current.

Bethune transferred to Kansas City in January for $1 million total in February. The move came after her breakout rookie season and a standout first year in Washington. Her return to full health added a significant weapon to a Kansas City side that has been among the NWSL’s best this season.

Kansas City’s Playoff Picture and the Stakes

With Sunday’s victory, Kansas City will enter Decision Day in fourth place, two points behind the Spirit. The top four NWSL teams host quarterfinals, which begin in November.

Kansas City has not lost at home this season and has only lost one regular-season game at home since the team opened CPKC Stadium in March 2024. That home form could prove crucial if the Current keep pace with the Spirit and secure a playoff spot.

A Record Reached, but the Story Is Not Over

Bethune’s assist was the latest reminder of her importance to the Kansas City attack. Her movement, vision and finishing have made her one of the most compelling midfielders in the NWSL. The new assist record adds another layer to a season that has already been filled with milestones.

For Kansas City, the win was more than a historic night. It was a statement. For Bethune, it was vindication. And for NWSL fans, it was another example of how one player’s breakout season can change the league’s record books.

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