September 12, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – After returning to winning ways last weekend, the Kansas City Current (11-3-5, 38pts., 3rd place) kick off a crucial three-match stretch against the other three of the NWSL’s top four clubs Friday. First up for the Current is a visit to Orlando for a showdown against the undefeated Orlando Pride (14-0-5, 47pts., 1st place). Friday’s match kicks off at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video with Mike Watts, Lori Lindsey and Kealia Watt on the call. Fans in Kansas City can listen to Dave Borchardt and Jillian Carroll Letrinko call the action on 90.9 The Bridge or listen along on the KC Current App in English or Spanish.
The Current rode a strong defensive effort to a 1-0 victory over the Utah Royals last Saturday at CPKC Stadium. The Royals, who entered the match with a four-match winning streak across all competitions, were stifled by six saves from Current goalkeeper Almuth Schult. Defenders Alana Cook and Kayla Sharples, who both made their first NWSL regular season home appearances last weekend, anchored a stout Current back line as the club picked up its first shutout in league play since June 28.
Forward Temwa Chawinga scored the game-winning goal in the 47th minute against Utah. The goal marked her 15th of the regular season as the forward extended her lead in the NWSL Golden Boot race. Additionally, Chawinga has tied midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta for the Current’s franchise record for career goals in NWSL regular season play. Chawinga has scored in eight consecutive NWSL regular season contests, which is also a league record, and is just three goals away from matching the league’s all-time scoring record.
The Pride have not lost a match this season and, dating back to last year, are 20 games unbeaten. Orlando extended that streak last weekend with a 1-0 road victory against the Chicago Red Stars. Forward Marta scored the Pride’s lone goal of the contest with a long-range strike in the 37th minute. Orlando has already clinched a spot in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel, becoming the first team in the league to do so.
RIVALRY RENEWED
Friday’s contest marks the highly anticipated rematch between Kansas City and Orlando after a thrilling first regular season matchup July 6 at CPKC Stadium. With both sides entering the contest unbeaten, the Pride emerged with a 2-1 victory with a penalty scored by Marta in the 63rd minute…