KC Current uses first-half blitz to hold off Louisville, extend win streak to 5
The Kansas City Current extended its winning streak to five games with a 4-2 home win over Racing Louisville, thanks to a first-half onslaught.
It was another outstanding performance from U.S. women’s national team winger Michelle Cooper, who forced an own goal from Louisville right back Lauren Milliet in the second minute of the match and scored the next goal herself in the 15th minute.
Cooper’s goal was kick-started by an interception from USWNT teammate Claire Hutton. Hutton passed to right back Hailie Mace, who skied the ball to a streaking Cooper in transition, leaving her one on one with Louisville goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer.
It was Cooper’s fourth goal of the season.
Cooper has been one of the hottest topics in the league this season with her ascension to the national team, where she already has a goal and an assist in six appearances. On the television broadcast, she said the Current’s attack feasted on the space Louisville’s back line gave them.
“We talked a lot about the importance of playing what they give us, and they gave us a bunch of space in behind. They couldn’t figure out the rotations, so we took advantage of that,” Cooper said.
The right flank brought some of the best attacking chances for the Current. Louisville defenders keyed on reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga and Brazilian striker Bia Zaneratto, who both scored despite the extra attention.
“I don’t think we necessarily planned to go down the right side. It just kind of happened that way,” Mace said. “They were kind of blocking off all the options on the left. So I think our team is very versatile, and we can go down either side and score goals.”
Zaneratto tallied the third goal for Kansas City with an assist from Vanessa DiBernardo in the box in the 19th minute. DiBernardo, who recently collected her 200th NWSL appearance, recorded her 31st career NWSL assist.
She is now tied with three players (Jessica McDonald, Sofia Huerta and Seattle Reign’s Lynn Biyendolo) for the most career assists in league history.
“I’ve been very fortunate to play with some great players throughout my career,” DiBernardo said. “It’s a testament to those players to score the goals with the balls that you give them.”
Kansas City (10-2-0) has scored 20 first-half goals in 12 games, the most in the NWSL this season.
KC is known for being less aggressive offensively in the second half under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, particularly with a sizable first-half lead. On Saturday, that led to Louisville creeping back into the match.
The Current dominated possession in the first half at 58% while falling to 45% possession in the second half.
Louisville‘s second-half charge began with winger Janine Sonis scoring a goal in the 62nd minute, with Milliet getting the assist. Late sub Uchenna Kanu headed in a corner kick in the 88th minute to bring Louisville within one.
The Current has been susceptible to goals off set pieces under Andonovski, who said he had to see the play to know what exactly the squad needed to fix.
“Obviously, we’ve given up too many ... goals on set pieces, not something that we’re happy with. But on the flip side, we’ve only got three goals scored against us on the run of play,” Andonovski said.
“Set pieces ... (is) something that is a lot easier to work on and fix than fixing the whole defense as a unit. So still proud of the team and the way they played, but we’ve got to be better in the set pieces.”
Chawinga put the nail in the coffin with a goal in second-half stoppage time.
All three front-line attackers (Cooper, Chawinga and Zaneratto) scored for the Current. Kansas City has also proven its depth as veteran midfielder Rocky Rodriguez started once again for injured star Lo LaBonta. Rodriguez and Hutton were consistent and active in the midfield throughout the match.
As long as the Current can get the ball to the front three, Andonovski believes his side can beat anyone.
“We have to get the ball to them as soon as possible. We have to put them in good situations. And once we do that, they’re good, they’re finishing,” he said.
This win keeps the Current in first place in the NWSL, five points ahead of defending league champ and rival Orlando Pride.
Up next: The Current hosts middle-of-the-table side Angel City FC on Friday, with first kick slated for 7 p.m.
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM.
