Kansas City Current is on the rise, and its recent 2-0 win over Racing Louisville FC is only proof of that. The match at Lynn Family Stadium was an important points enabler for the team but also showed further growth and potential of a squad now looking for a top-four spot in the NWSL standings and a right to host a playoff game at home.
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The Power of Temwa Chawinga and Offensive Impact
It was evident from minute one that Kansas Current came to dominate. After just 109 seconds, the first goal was scored by none other than Temwa Chawinga, off her well-publicized connection with Debinha. The Brazilian sent a precise pass down the left side to Chawinga, and the forward didn't miss her target: with quick and precise finishing, she got past the opposing keeper and put the ball in the back of the net.
This was a historical moment for Chawinga, who equaled Sam Kerr's record for the most goals in one NWSL season with her 18th goal of the regular season. She then placed herself amongst the top of the scoring chart in the league. More than the number, though, this means that she has become one of the most important pieces in the Current's attacking game and that she can pop up at any moment with the decisive play.
That partnership of Debinha and Chawinga is probably one of the most dangerous in the league. Of the six assists so far this season by Debinha, four have directly resulted in goals for Chawinga, underlining a good chemistry.
Vanessa DiBernardo and Defensive Stability
If Chawinga stole the show on the offensive end, defensive security was another key to this victory. Goalkeeper Almuth Schult had another brilliant night, notching her fourth clean sheet with the Current. That team defense held firm at many moments during which Louisville was pressing to find an equalizer.
After the half, with Racing Louisville starting to get clear chances, the Current defense didn't fold. Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo found herself in position to tie the game at 54', but her shot went wide and allowed the Current to maintain their lead. It was about these little defensive wins serving the purpose to keep the team in control of the match.
But a safety goal would seal it, and not a complete victory. The lead was extended in the 86 minutes of the game with a stunning freekick goal courtesy of Vanessa DiBernardo. It was the first direct freekick goal by the team this season, coming at a moment in the game where Racing Louisville still tries to creep back.
Kansas City Current has been very consistent in the last couple of rounds of games. With five unbeaten games now, this seems to be the right time for the team in the season of the NWSL. In four of the last five games, solid defense-security was secured, which would give them confidence to face off any opponent head-on.
While finally pleased with the result, coach Vlatko Andonovski remained matter-of-fact after the game. He felt the team still had room for growth but certainly made special mention of hard work by the players and their positioning for a strong playoff run.
"I'm happy we're getting results and in the playoffs, but I think we're still in the learning stage," Andonovski said.
The victory in Kansas City Current brought them one step closer to achieving a finish within the top four that would secure them a home playoff game. This result takes center stage in light of the current good performance of the team. If the current squad gets a chance to compete in front of their fans at CPKC Stadium, it will be a key factor toward its aspiration of going deep into the competition.