Kansas City Current advance with epic win over Tigres UANL and make Summer Cup history
Kansas City Current once again demonstrated their superiority by securing a crushing 4-1 victory over Tigres UANL, sealing their place in the semifinals of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. With spectacular performances from Debinha and newcomer Claire Hutton, Current left no doubt that they are ready to win the tournament. The win secured Kansas City first place in Group C with an impeccable 3-0-0 record and showed that the team is a force to be reckoned with on the women's soccer scene.
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From the opening whistle, Kansas City Current made it clear that their aim was to dominate the match. In the seventh minute, Hailie Mace intercepted a crucial Tigres pass and launched the ball towards goal, almost resulting in a Debinha goal. This early move was just a taste of what was to come. In the 23rd minute, a foul on Michelle Cooper gave Vanessa DiBernardo the opportunity to take a free-kick outside the box. DiBernardo took full advantage and crossed for Lo'eau LaBonta, who headed in with precision, opening the scoring for Current. Just six minutes later, DiBernardo showed her skill again, crossing for Ellie Wheeler, who headed in with power, extending the lead.
Current's defense was also crucial. Goalkeeper AD Franch made an impressive save at the end of the first half, keeping the Tigers scoreless. This defensive solidity gave the team confidence to continue pressing in the second half. However, Tigres managed to reduce the lead in the 56th minute with a goal from Thembi Kgatlana. But Kansas City's response was immediate. Just a minute later, Debinha scored a spectacular goal, reaffirming Current's control of the match.
Debinha, one of the team's stars, showed why she is one of the most feared players in the league. With this goal, the Brazilian scored her third goal in the competition, consolidating her position as one of the Summer Cup's top scorers.
Young Claire Hutton also had an unforgettable night. At the age of 18, Hutton scored her first professional goal, sealing victory for Kansas City Current :Anyone knows that scoring your first professional goal is just surreal. To finally be able to do it is incredible and to be able to do it for Kansas City is unreal," said Hutton.
The win was a reflection of the hard work and well-executed strategy of the coach and the team. With a combination of young talent and experienced players, Kansas City Current showed that they are a complete team, capable of competing at a high level and overcoming adversity. The debut of Alana Cook, an experienced defender and two-time NWSL champion, also strengthened Current's defense, ensuring defensive solidity for the full 90 minutes.
With this victory, Kansas City Current advance to the semifinals of the Summer Cup, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. Current's performance in the group stage, scoring three or more goals in each match and totaling 10 goals in three games, is a testament to the team's attacking ability and cohesion.