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With morale, Kansas City Current will face Pachuca in the Summer Cup

Current looks to keep up the momentum at home against the threat of Charlyn Corral and Pachuca

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 20, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Houston Dash at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Houston Dash at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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Kansas City Current head into their next Summer Cup clash in high spirits after a convincing win over the Houston Dash. The team showed a relentless attack, with 21 shots on goal, and will be looking to continue that streak against Pachuca. But make no mistake, the challenges are far from over. Pachuca, led by talented striker Charlyn Corral, are hungry to bounce back from their opening defeat of the tournament.

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In the last game, Michelle Cooper wasted no time in scoring for Kansas City in the first 55 seconds, putting her team ahead and once again etching her name in the club's record books. Despite Houston's Yuki Nagasato equalizing, Current showed resilience and came back to dominate, sealing the win with goals from Lo'eau LaBonta and Kristen Hamilton. Hamilton, in particular, stood out by reaching the 40-goal mark in all competitions, a remarkable achievement.

Kansas City's defense, led by Angelina Anderson, held firm against Houston, and is expected to put in an equally solid performance against Pachuca's attacking threat. Charlyn Corral, who scored twice in the loss to Tigres UANL, will be the main opponent to watch. Her ability to find the net from anywhere on the pitch makes her a dangerous weapon who can change the course of the game in an instant.

Pachuca, meanwhile, need to bounce back quickly if they are to keep their Summer Cup hopes alive. The 4-2 defeat to Tigres showed weaknesses in defense that Current will surely try to exploit. However, the Mexican team cannot be underestimated. With iconic players like Monica Ocampo and goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras, Pachuca have plenty of talent to turn the tide in their favor.

In addition to the stars on the pitch, Kansas City Current will be counting on new faces to strengthen the squad. New signings Sabrina Weinman and Janae DeFazio will bring freshness and energy to the team. Weinman, who hails from the Northern Colorado Rain, has already proven her worth in the USLW league, while DeFazio, a former UCLA player, brings solid college experience. These additions are crucial to maintaining the squad's depth and competitiveness in a demanding tournament like the Summer Cup.

Temwa Chawinga, Current's top scorer, is in excellent form, leading the race for the NWSL Golden Boot with 12 goals in 16 games. Her ability to finish with precision will be crucial against a defense that has shown vulnerabilities. The duel between Chawinga and Corral, two of the top scorers in women's soccer, adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.

The expectation is for an open game, with plenty of chances to score and emotions running high. Kansas City's ability to keep control of possession and capitalize on the chances they create will be key. On the other side, Pachuca will need to be efficient with their finishing and tight in defense to avoid another setback.

The Summer Cup group stage is still in its early stages, but this game could well be a watershed for both teams. A win for Current would put them in a comfortable position to advance, while a loss would complicate things for Pachuca.

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