KC Current fall behind 2-0, go on to lose NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal to NC Courage

In spite of their best efforts, the Kansas City Current couldn’t overcome a first-half deficit at home against the North Carolina Courage, falling 2-1 on a rainy night in Kansas City, Kan.

The defeat at Children’s Mercy Park ends the Current’s run through the NWSL Challenge Cup soccer tournament.

“This one hurts for sure,” Current captain Desiree Scott said. “I think when you dig that big of a hole it’s hard to come out of it. But give full credit to our squad for that do-or-die attitude.”

While the energy and atmosphere matched the anticipation of the match, the Current came out a little flat.

“On nights like tonight, the pressure reveals itself in different ways,” coach Matt Potter said. “For the first time I felt at times our passing lacked the crispness that it typically has, and the decision making was a little slower than it typically is.”

The Courage got ahead early on after Jenna Weinbrenner was called for a handball in the box. Brazilian star Debinha stepped up and blasted the penalty right down the middle.

The Current certainly had opportunities in this match and nearly got level. But the Courage got a second goal when Diana Ordoñez put home a rebound off KC goalkeeper A.D. Franch.

The Current had multiple chances Wednesday night — at one point, Kristen Hamilton’s point-blank 1-v-1 opportunity was saved by the Courage’s Katelyn Rowland. Hamilton would get her redemption when she slotted Addie McCain’s downward header past Rowland in the 78th minute.

But that was all the scoring the hosts could muster.

The Current’s journey through the Challenge Cup has been a successful one. In seven games, they won more than they did in the entire 2021 season. Playing in a competitive knockout match Wednesday night felt like another big step forward, its outcome aside.

“It meant a lot for us to have that first meaningful game for the club,” Hamilton said. “But it’s good to have those types of games on your belt, to kind of feel the atmosphere or feel what it’s about.”

Hamilton has been in plenty during her soccer career, as has a good portion of the club’s veteran core. On Wednesday, the Current started five players age 25 or younger and brought on four more as substitutes. The blend of youth and veterans has been a formidable mix.

Younger members of the Current are learning from these higher-level games.

“What it takes to play games like this,” Hamilton said, pausing before continuing, “It’s not easy to go in and start with the energy and anticipation around it. It’s a different type of game. You learn from every game you play in an environment like this.”

Now, the Current will shift focus to Sunday’s NWSL regular-season home opener against the Houston Dash. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Central Time at Children’s Mercy Park.

This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 10:04 PM with the headline "KC Current fall behind 2-0, go on to lose NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal to NC Courage."