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KC Current

KC Current dominate in Portland, win 4-1

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1 year ago

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Photo Credit: KC Current/NWSL

The Kansas City Current traveled to Portland for a major mid-season match against the Thorns, who since their last meeting on March 16, regained form, climbing to number 5 in NWSL standings, and coming in with the third highest number of goals in the league and with one of the top attackers in the NWSL, Sophia Smith (9 goals, 6 assists, 38 shots). So of course, there was belief that this game would be a challenge for the Current, especially after the game on March 16 that resulted in 9 goals, with the Current holding off a Portland comeback and after a 2-2 draw last week versus Chicago last week that could have been a win.

But in front of 20,024 at Providence Park, the KC Current showed why they are the top team in the NWSL, attacking early, scoring four goals, and keeping Portland to one goal. The 4-1 win marked 16 games unbeaten going back to the end of the 2023 season, tying an NWSL record. The Current also regained the number one spot in the NWSL standings, improving to 9-0-5 for the season thus far.

Starting XI

Playing in a 4-2-3-1, the Current would be without Vanessa DiBenardo, who was on concussion protocol, and relied on their young midfielder Claire Hutton to fill DiBenardo’s role.

The goals

Goal #1 – 31st minute, Lo’eau LaBonta. 1-0, KC.

The Current came into this game attacking early and aggressively, and it was important facing a team like the Thorns. On the first goal, Michelle Cooper sent a cross to the box where it was headed by Chawinga towards goal. Lo’eau LaBonta was able to finish it with her own header for the first goal of the game.

Goal #2 – 38th minute, Stine Ballisager. 2-0, KC.

Stine Ballisager would become Kansas City’s 17th goalscorer this season, scoring after a corner kick, after Portland cleared the ball on two attempts. Ballisager recovered in the box for a shot on goal, and her first club goal with the Current.

Goal #3 – 40th minute, Lo’eau LaBonta. 3-0, KC.

LaBonta’s goal came from a distance as Portland worked to stop the Current attack. The ball, however, fell into open space where LaBonta was able to take advantage and shoot a rocket towards the goal. The goal was LaBonta’s second of the game and first brace ever in her career in her 172nd game in all NWSL competitions (OptaJack).

Goal #4 – 47th minute, Temwa Chawinga. 4-0, KC

It was only a matter of time before Chawinga got a goal of her own, her 9th of the season. It might have taken 47 minutes, but Chawinga came attacking after halftime using her speed and ability to get past three Portland defenders for the fourth goal and a decisive one for the Current.

And yea, Portland scored in the 73rd minute. Sophia Smith wasn’t fully kept from scoring, but the Current leave Portland with three points and return home to CPKC Stadium to host the Houston Dash on Friday, June 28 at 7 pm.

 

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Kat

Happy to say I (hopefully) brought in some new Current/NWSL fans today! I’m on vacay in Mexico, and yesterday made friends with folks because our resort’s cable is out so no one could watch Copa by “traditional” means. I joked they could watch my Mexico/Jamaica stream only if they suffered through Sporting with us first. They had NO idea that I was not in any way, shape, or form joking and were dumbfounded by that performance. But, we had fun watching Mexico afterwards and made plans to meet up again today for the Current and USMNT/Bolivia.

Nobody was that familiar with the Current or NWSL, but had a blast watching the match with us today so I’m glad to have introduced this squad to some. I’m even more glad that Franch had a more confident performance tonight, and I only wish there had been a clean sheet.

Anyway, Sporting is… not even worth the insults, but the Current are a true joy to watch. KC, baby!

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ar_jhawk

It is good we have at least one team to give us hope. I love the thought that somewhere in Mexico there is a pocket of Current fans.

RE: Franch – I was at the Chicago game and really thought Franch could have done better on the last minute equalizer. Been thinking for a week that maybe what they really have is a goalie problem. But she does make some spectacular saves still. Not getting the shutout yesterday was disappointing and not closing down Smith – the only person on the field who could really hurt you – was poor, but it really was a great effort from a great player. Can Orlando just lose already…

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KCOutsider

This is awesome, thanks for sharing.

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Kat

It was a really great experience 🙂

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Wet Water

Chawinga seems to think I take too long getting back from half time. I think this is the 3rd goal of hers I’ve missed that way.

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ar_jhawk

Camille making her presence felt in San Diego. Casey Stoney out after making the playoffs as and expansion team and winning the shield in year two. With half the season left, they only have to make up one point to make the playoffs this year, but, oh, well.

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