Temwa Chawinga scores a hat trick in KC 3-0 win

The Kansas City Current returned to CPKC Stadium on this Mother’s Day for a rematch against the Chicago Stars. Coming off their first road win of the season at North Carolina, the Current looked to keep that winning momentum and to avenge that 2-1 loss in Chicago back in March.

Head Coach Chris Armas made one change to the starting XI from last week as Bayley Feist joined Lo’eau LaBonta in the double pivot. Laney Rouse, who impressed in North Carolina, earned her second consecutive start at right back, third overall. The Current would again be without Debinha. Earlier in the week, Chris Armas initially said she would be out “a few months” before clarifying later in the week and ending with “for a little bit.”

Summer Kickoff Starters 😆

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-05-10T15:55:17.731Z

Kansas City began the match on the attack early, with three corner kicks in the first three minutes. But it was in the 12th minute that the Current had their best shot on goal. A pass to Temwa on the wing found her wide open, and with the ball near the end line, she saw Michelle Cooper, who was making a run into the box. Cooper’s shot, however, hit the post and bounced back into the box.

Ten minutes later, the Current took the 1-0 lead. As Chicago cleared the ball, Feist intercepted, and the ball landed near Cooper, who sent a pass to Bethune, making a run towards the box. Bethune tried to go around the Chicago defender, but lost possession. Chawinga was near the goal and picked up the loose ball, getting a touch for goal, just enough to get it past the goal line. Chawinga appeared offside, but the goal stood for her first goal of 2026, and for Kansas City to head to halftime with the lead for the second time this season.

It was only time for Temwa Chawinga 👏Temwa Chawinga secures her first goal of the 2026 NWSL season into the back of the net 🙌

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-05-10T17:01:14.186Z

That was just the beginning for the Current and for Chawinga in the second half, as she added to her 2026 goal count to three and a hat trick for the game. In the 47th minute, just two minutes in, Chawinga was again in a perfect position after Cooper’s cross was deflected by Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and the ball came right to Chawinga.

TEMWA CANNOT BE STOPPED, LITERALLY 🔥Temwa with her second goal of the year & second of the day 👏

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-05-10T17:48:12.479Z

Two minutes after that goal, Chawinga completed her hat trick. It all started with Bethune passing into the box to Ally Sentnor, who sent it out to Feist, who forwarded it to Cooper. A one-touch pass from Cooper towards Chawinga completed the final passing sequence. Since no one from Chicago attempted to challenge Chawinga, she was left with a shot right on goal.

HOW ABOUT A HAT TRICK TC6 🤯Count 'em… 1, 2, & 3 🙂‍↕️

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-05-10T17:50:22.259Z

And just in the span of four minutes, the Current were headed for their first back-to-back wins of the season. And while Chicago maintained much of the possession 53% to 47%, the Current’s attack produced 17 shots, 8 on target, with an xG of 3.52. Perhaps the 4-0 loss at the Washington Spirit was the wake-up call this team needed. For the past two games, the Current have shown glimpses of themselves, scoring six goals and allowing zero.