Record-breaking shocker as Kansas City Current crushes San Diego Wave in NWSL

The Kansas City Current are having one of the most exciting times of the 2024 NWSL season. Their 4-1 win over the San Diego Wave showcased exactly what that team brings to the table: a ruthless attack, a solid defense, and a crowd that shows up big in vital matches. With 11,500 fans packing CPKC Stadium, the Current sold out once again-a mark unmatched by any other team in the league. And of course, historic moments on the field-like Temwa Chawinga's 20th goal of the season, setting a new NWSL record.

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Michelle Cooper and Chawinga Open Path

At just 22 minutes in, Michelle Cooper showed exactly what she's made of. In one quick move down the right side, Cooper took advantage of a loose ball in the box and fired it home to open the scoring. But she wasn't done yet. Soon after, another play initiated by Cooper led to an own goal by San Diego's defense, putting the Current up 2-0 comfortably.

Still, with that lead, Kansas City did not give up. The team pressed on and, at the 54-minute mark, Chawinga, who had been hunting for that goal since the beginning of the match, scored her 20th of the season to become the first player in league history to have scored against every team in a single season.

Fans' Power and Security on the Field

But perhaps one thing that comes forth in every game at CPKC Stadium is the energy the fans bring in for the team. Even head coach Vlatko Andonovski mentioned how much of a difference a crowd can make: "It's not about arrogance; it's about using the energy of our fans to our advantage. Teams come here and fear us."

The confidence reflects in their defense too. Even when San Diego tried to counter, goalkeeper Almuth Schult was faultless. During one of the most telling moments of the first half, she made a great save after an accidental deflection off Kansas City's defense.

Debinha Seals the Deal on a Brilliant Season

Debinha, in case anything else needed to be done perfectly to wrap up the night and seal it completely, she saw it in.

The Brazilian received a pass from Nichelle Prince in the 80th minute and calmly netted Kansas City's fourth goal, sealing the domination of her team. The goal tied the Current's regular-season record set by North Carolina Courage in 2019.

A Farewell Game and a Career to Celebrate

But behind all the action on the pitch, the game had some sentimental touch. Legendary midfielder Desiree Scott made her last regular-season home appearance in the NWSL. Teary-eyed, an emotional standing ovation to her brilliant career moved the crowd and topped what already had been a special night. Scott came on in the final minutes to back-to-back applause and cheering from the packed stadium honoring a player that made history both for club and league.

Playoffs Just Around the Corner

With the win, Kansas Current locked in at least a home game in the playoffs. Currently second in the standings, it's in position to perhaps work its way through the postseason without ever having to leave the friendly confines of CPKC Stadium. Given the strength Kansas City has shown on home soil, that might turn into a big advantage as the club pursues the title.

What happened this season in Kansas City is proof that something special is happening. This team-as head coach Vlatko Andonovski noted-is dramatically improved from last year. "It's been an incredible year so far, and I hope we can go as far as possible," he said after the win. And with good reason: The Current plays with unshakeable confidence, driven by its fans and the technical skill of its players.

Added to that, the team also has the chance to break another record in this last game of the regular season. With 54 goals, Kansas City will be the highest-scoring team in a single season in all NWSL history, beating North Carolina Courage's previous record.