After blockbuster deal, KC Current keeps good vibes going in win vs. Louisville

The Kansas City Current had an eventful Friday. After landing one of the league’s brightest young stars in a blockbuster deal, the Current still had a game to play just an hour later.

The good vibes of the day continued.

It took a little over an hour of game time for the Current to find a breakthrough thanks to Temwa Chawinga. Elizabeth Ball added a second shortly after to give the Current a 2-0 lead — the eventual final score.

The Current picked up right where it left off in NWSL play. The win is KC’s seventh straight in NWSL action, ninth straight in all competitions.

“I told the players after the game that I was very proud of them,” coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “Because we had this break, and it takes a little bit of time to pick up the pace when you have your first game on the road. But I thought we picked it up right where we left it.”

KC sits 11 points clear of second place at the top of the standings. How long that lasts will be determined by results around the league the rest of the weekend. But at worst, the margin between KC and Orlando will be eight points.

The first half of Friday’s game looked like two teams who hadn’t played a highly competitive match in six weeks. Fouls, missed passes and heavy touches ruled the first 45.

“I was very proud of the players. They did not get frustrated throughout the match,” Andonovski said. “Sometimes things were not going well for us, or we were just a step short or the pass was a little bit off.

“I challenged them to have the best finish that they can have, and I thought they finished it very well.”

Indeed, the Current started to get the flow going in the second half and finally found a breakthrough thanks to some great teamwork in buildup. Chawinga fired a pass off to Flora Marta Lacho at the top of the box before tearing toward the net in anticipation of a pass.

Lacho dished to Michelle Cooper, whose cross was hit with blistering pace across the front of the goal. All Chawinga had to do was get a foot on it and it was in the back of the net for her ninth goal of the season, one behind Esther Gonzalez in the golden boot race.

Then, on a dangerous free kick whipped in by Izzy Rodriguez just five minutes later, Ball’s glancing header directed the ball into the net. Friday night’s game marked Ball’s 100th career NWSL appearance.

“I think that second half, we came out and showed what we’ve been working on, and brought the energy,” Ball said.

Debinha also made her return to the field after sustaining a knee injury against Orlando in May. Andonovski said he felt like Debinha gave the team the push it needed.

“We’re very happy that she actually came back faster than what she was projected,” Andonovski said. “Very thankful for the medical staff and everything they do to get her ready for this game. It was a crucial moment to sub her in to change the game.”

Also of note: Laurel Ivory made her first start of the season, recording a couple of crucial saves in the first half to earn a shutout.

Up next: The Current travels to Salt Lake City next Friday for a matchup with the Utah Royals. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. Central.

Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.

This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 9:45 PM.