KC Current crash at Washington

The Kansas City Current falls for only the second time this season. They slide to a 10-2-5 record and third place on the road. The Washington Spirit leaped over them in the standings with a 4-1 final score. The Spirit took a page from Kansas City’s normal game, scoring early and close together in the 9th and 14th minute. Washington limited good opportunities for Kansas City and were more clinical with their chances to earn the victory.

After Paige Metayer received a pass from Leicy Santos, Metayer dribbled past the Current midfield and defense. The Spirit defender saw an opening on the near post and slid a shot past AD Franch to take the early lead.

"I got this." – Paige Metayer 😤 pic.twitter.com/hrsJvIHZiW

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 25, 2024

A few minutes later Ouleye Sarr doubled the lead. Rookie Croix Bethune set up the French striker as she ran into the box. A surgical strike low to the back post made it 2-0 in the 14th minute.

One last look at that strike from Ouleye Sarr 👀 pic.twitter.com/jJzleIrdog

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 25, 2024

The Current had opportunities before and after the Spirit goals but were unable to capitalize on them before halftime. The Spirit came out of the half strong, adding to the visitors woes. Gold medalist Trinity Rodman made it 3-0 with a chip over Franch to the back corner. Rodman was still riding high after the Olympics and demonstrate why she can always be dangerous.

Trin picking up where she left off 💅

🎥 » @NWSL
pic.twitter.com/Q2A9RPd0R2

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 25, 2024

The Current had their opportunities, finishing the game with fourteen shots compared to seven for the Spirit. Only four of Kansas City’s shots were on goal but Temwa Chawinga did at least get the Current on the score sheet. In typical Temwa mode, she received a pass from Debinha and was breaking in on goal. A quick poke put it past Aubrey Kingsbury. Chawinga is on top of the Golden Boot race with that goal.

Temwa Chawinga would not be denied pic.twitter.com/hgiLdAZox0

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 25, 2024

A 73rd minute goal for Santos made it 4-1 and effectively ended any hopes of a comeback for Kansas City. The Current will again be on the road next Sunday when they head to North Carolina to face the Courage.

Match: Washington Spirit vs. Kansas City Current
Date: August 25, 2024
Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 11:07 a.m. CT/ 12:07 p.m. ET
Weather: 82 degrees, sunny
Attendance:

Discipline
49’ Kansas City – DiBernardo (Yellow)
72’ Kansas City – Cook (Yellow)
85’ Kansas City – LaBonta (Yellow)
90+7’ Washington – Metayer (Yellow) 

Scoring
9’ Washington – Metayer (Santos)
14’ Washington – Sarr (Bethune)
51’ Washington – Rodman (Metayer)
64′ Kansas City – Chawinga (Debinha)
73’ Washington – Santos (Carle)

Scoring Summary

Washington Spirit Lineup: Kingsbury ©, Krueger (65’ Carle), Butel, McKeown, Metayer, Santos, Sullivan, Hershfelt (65’ Stainbrook), Rodman, Bethune (71’ Kouassi), Sarr
Unused Substitutes: Barnhart, Silano, Morris, Ratcliffe, Brown, Hatch

Kansas City Current Lineup: Franch, Wheeler, Ballisager, Cook, Mace, LaBonta ©, Hutton (65’ Jereko), DiBernardo (65’ Prince), Debinha (79’ Feist), Chawinga, Cooper (79’ Hamilton)
Unused Substitutes: Schult, Steigleder, Ball, Scott, Rodriguez