Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga has made history in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Chawinga became the fastest player to reach 25 regular season goals, achieving this feat in just 34 matches. The milestone came during the 1-0 victory against Orlando Pride.
I’m happy for her, but I don’t think Temwa will stop here. She has much more to offer.
Vlatko Andonovski, Kansas City Current Coach
However, the celebration was marred by an injury. Chawinga had to leave the match in the 89th minute due to a leg injury, a problem that the player, winner of the MVP award and NWSL Golden Boot in 2024, has been facing throughout the season.
The victory extended Current’s lead at the top of the NWSL table to four points and served as revenge for the 2024 semifinal loss to the Pride, who were crowned champions last year.
The Kansas City team, with the defense led by Kayla Sharples, demonstrated a solid defensive performance against the talented Pride attack.
I am very proud of the team. To come here and win a game, you not only have to be very good and show a lot of quality, but you have to have heart. If you don’t have heart, you have no chance. And today, I think we showed heart as a team.
Vlatko Andonovski, Kansas City Current Coach
The victory came at a possible high cost. Midfielder Debinha and center back Alana Cook also left the match injured in the second half.
Cook went straight to the locker room after the coach evaluated his left knee.
Andonovski did not provide specific information about the injuries, but expressed his hope that they were not serious and that the players could return soon.
Orlando Pride has lost three of its last five matches and has only won once in that period. With San Diego Wave’s loss and victory over Gotham, Pride fell to a tie for third place.
Andonovski, when asked about his team’s advantage in the race for the NWSL Shield, warned that “the season is long,” but called Friday’s victory a confidence boost.
The Current’s objective remains to win a trophy, something they failed to achieve last year despite starting the 2024 season with a 15-game unbeaten streak and setting a league record for goals scored (57).
We want to be the best team. We want to be at our best at the right moments. We want to win a final, and that’s the most important match. So, we just have to do the work in these matches to get there.
Kayla Sharples
