August 26, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – Following a 1-1 draw in front of a record-setting crowd at Children’s Mercy Park, the Kansas City Current (7-4-5, 26pts, 4th place) are back in action at home to close out the month of August Sunday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. CT against the North Carolina Courage (4-6-4, 16pts, 9thplace). The second meeting in two weeks between Kansas City and North Carolina will be broadcast locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB and streamed globally on Twitch.
Kansas City extended its unbeaten streak to 11 games, the third-longest unbeaten streak in NWSL history, with a 1-1 draw Friday against Angel City. The visitors opened the scoring with a goal from midfielder Cari Roccaro in the 78th minute, but the Current responded immediately. Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta beat an Angel City defender to a loose ball in the penalty area and won a penalty kick in the 80th minute. LaBonta converted the attempt for her career-high fifth goal of the season as the match ended 1-1. LaBonta’s fourth penalty kick goal of the season tied her with San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan for the most in the NWSL.
North Carolina brings a two-match winning streak into Sunday’s contest after knocking off two playoff-contending squads in impressive fashion. On Aug. 20, the Courage blitzed the Chicago Red Stars 4-0 at home led by three second-half goals. Rookie forward Diana Ordoñez led the way with a brace. Then, Aug. 24, the Courage picked up another stunning home win, a 3-1 triumph over first-place Portland. North Carolina led from the 24th minute onwards after Ordoñez opened the scoring and midfielder Meredith Speck provided the insurance goal in the 83rd minute. The Courage’s victory snapped Portland’s 11-game unbeaten streak, leaving the Current with the NWSL’s longest active streak entering Sunday’s match.
ANOTHER GOAL FEST?
When the Current and Courage last squared off Aug. 13, one of the most entertaining contests of the 2022 NWSL Regular Season ensued. Kansas City had to come back from a one-goal deficit on three separate occasions in the 4-3 win, which was capped by Lavogez’s stunning game-winner from long range in the 79th minute. LaBonta and forwards Cece Kizer and Kristen Hamilton scored Kansas City’s other three goals in the victory.
High-scoring affairs have been commonplace for North Carolina in 2022. The Courage enter Sunday’s contest ranking second in the NWSL in goals scored, and…