The host Kansas City Current earned a piece of NWSL history when they equaled the record for the fastest clinch of a playoff spot with a 2-0 win against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday night.
Both of Kansas City’s goals were aided by defensive mistakes by the Courage (5-7-6, 21 points). The first came in the 31st minute when NC cleared a corner kick. When the ball landed to the feet of Izzy Rodriguez, the midfielder’s cross into the box bounced between Courage defenders who waited for each other to clear the ball. Instead, it bounced past goalkeeper Casey Murphy.
In the 39th minute, Kansas City (15-2-1, 47 points) went on an offensive break that ended with a penalty against Kaleigh Kurtz, who made her league-record 106th consecutive start. Kurtz tackled Temwa Chawinga and the referee whistled for the penalty kick that Lo’eau LaBonta buried for her fourth goal of the season, all from penalty kicks.
In the 71st minute, Chawinga collided with Maycee Bell. They both went to the ground with Chawinga, the Current’s top goal-scorer, landing on Bell’s back. That sent Chawinga out of the match and to the back to be assessed by the medical staff.
With the win, Kansas City extended its unbeaten streak to 11 matches. The Current have not lost since May 3. The victory also continues the club’s unbeaten run at home this season, with seven wins and a draw in eight matches. Across those matchups, the Kansas City defense has allowed just four goals.
The loss for NC gives the side three points in the last five matches — and no wins since before the NWSL summer break.
–Field Level Media
