October 5, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Kansas City Current News Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – The Kansas City Current (13-3-7, 46pts., 4th place) inched closer to a top four finish on the final NWSL table and a home playoff match at CPKC Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Racing Louisville FC (6-10-7, 25pts., 9th place) Saturday night at Lynn Family Stadium. Current forward Temwa Chawinga scored the first goal of the contest in the second minute, which marked a historic strike for the forward. The goal marked Chawinga’s 18th of the 2024 NWSL regular season, which places her in a tie with Sam Kerr for the NWSL all-time regular season scoring record. Midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo provided insurance with an incredible strike scored directly from a free kick in the 86th minute, the first goal scored directly from a free kick for the Current this season.
Chawinga’s goal came just 109 seconds into the contest, and the Current’s defense held firm to secure the shutout victory. In net, goalkeeper Almuth Schult recorded her fourth clean sheet with the squad. Kansas City has now recorded a shutout in four of its last five matches.
“I don’t want to sound unthankful, but we’re still not where I feel we can be,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I’m happy, we’re getting results, we’re in the playoffs, we’re fighting for home field in the first game, but I think we’re still in the learning stage… I’m happy with where we’re at but I’m excited for the future.”
Saturday’s contest got off to a flying start as Chawinga’s reliable connection with midfielder Debinha proved lethal yet again. The Brazilian slid a ball forward for Chawinga down the left side of Louisville’s defense, and Chawinga outpaced the back line to latch on to Debinha’s pass. Inside the opposing 18-yard box, Chawinga took a touch inside and rolled a shot past Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund to open the scoring.
Debinha now has six assists in the 2024 regular season, four of which have been to Chawinga. The goal marked Chawinga’s 18th of the regular season, meaning she could set the NWSL regular season scoring record with one more goal. Chawinga’s goal also marked the second-fastest regular season goal for the Current this season.
Chawinga nearly doubled the Current’s lead in the tenth minute, striking the post on a shot from inside Louisville’s penalty area. Three minutes later, Louisville conjured up one of its best opportunities of the first half with a high cross served into midfielder Emma…