Croix Bethune Sets New NWSL Single-Season Assist Record
The Kansas City midfielder secured her 11th assist of the season to surpass the previous league benchmark.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Soccer
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Croix Bethune broke the National Women's Soccer League single-season assist record by recording her 11th assist during a 2-1 victory over the Washington Spirit. The historic play occurred when Bethune set up teammate Vanessa DiBernardo for the go-ahead goal.
Why it matters
The record-breaking performance cements Bethune as one of the most prolific playmakers in league history after her high-profile transfer to the Kansas City Current. Her ability to consistently create scoring opportunities has been a vital component of the team's offensive strategy this year.
Bethune recorded her 11th assist of the 2026 season, surpassing the long-standing record of 10 assists previously held by Tobin Heath and matched this year by Cloé Lacasse. With this achievement, Bethune now holds 23 total career assists across three seasons.
The players
Croix Bethune
She is an influential midfielder for the Kansas City Current who has rapidly ascended to become a top playmaker in the NWSL.
Kansas City Current
This professional soccer team competes in the National Women's Soccer League and plays its home games at CPKC Stadium.
Washington Spirit
The Spirit is a professional soccer organization that competes in the NWSL and faced the Current in this match.
Vanessa DiBernardo
She is a professional soccer player who scored the decisive goal off an assist from Bethune during the recent victory.
Sofia Huerta
She is a veteran NWSL player who currently holds the league's all-time record for career assists with 35.
The details
Haley Hopkins pressured the opposing goalkeeper to force a turnover, allowing her to feed the ball to Bethune. Bethune then delivered the decisive pass to Vanessa DiBernardo, who converted the opportunity to secure the win for the Kansas City Current.
Timeline
2016: Tobin Heath set the initial record of 10 assists.
2024: Bethune tied the single-season assist record during her rookie campaign.
July 2026: Bethune established the Kansas City single-season assist record.
October 25, 2026: Bethune officially broke the league's all-time single-season assist record.
Next weekend: NWSL Decision Day matches are scheduled to take place.
Season Trajectory
Bethune's record-breaking assist rate reflects a significant evolution in the tactical playmaking standards across the league this season. Her performance elevates the Kansas City Current's profile as they head into the final matches of the year and the approaching playoff picture.
Bethune's record-setting performance solidifies her value for the Kansas City Current, who invested $1 million in total transfer and allocation funds to acquire her through 2027. This milestone serves as a critical indicator of her high-level playmaking for fantasy soccer participants and league observers.
The takeaway
Bethune's record-breaking season highlights the growing importance of elite playmaking in high-stakes professional soccer. Fans looking to follow emerging stars should pay close attention to high-assist players during the final matches of the regular season.
What happens next
The league concludes its regular season schedule during the upcoming NWSL Decision Day matches next weekend.
Further reading
For more on local matches and player achievements, visit the Soccer news section.
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