Kansas City Current’s early strike and iron defense punch ticket to NWSL semis | OneFootball

In what had to be the most historic day in the history of Kansas City Current, the side managed to come away with a narrow 1-0 victory over North Carolina Courage at CPKC Stadium-a match that required all three components in perfect proportion: grit, precision, and-yes-luck. That goal by Temwa Chawinga, just eight minutes into the match, set the tone for it and eventually sealed it. Now, the Current is set to take on Orlando Pride in the NWSL semifinals.

The match got off to a hot start, with the Kansas City Current determined to expose every gap left open by Courage's defense. Their star forward, Temwa Chawinga, already turning heads with her artistry with the ball at her feet and her blistering speed, showed once more why she got that NWSL Golden Boot. Just eight minutes into the match, after a slick combination between Vanessa DiBernardo and Debinha, Chawinga found her opening and didn't need a second invitation. She used her left foot to capitalize on a rebound off of the save from Casey Murphy to lock up the only goal of the game.

Intense Defense and Mid-Game Struggles

The early goal now put Kansas City Current in the position of maintaining their defense as the Courage developed their offense aggressively. Fully aware that it was a mistake to allow Chawinga the space, Courage regrouped quickly and tightened both its backlines and offense. The game got physical, as both teams fought for an inch of space on the field. Kansas City goalkeeper Almuth Schult was brilliant between the posts as she made sure the Courage just could not level. Coming up with four crucial saves, she was an oak in which the team leans on during tight moments of the game.

Still, Courage were not going to lie down and be killed. After the early setback, Courage won the battle for possession and had the lion's share in dictating play with 65% of ball possession and an 85% passing accuracy, even though this didn't translate into scores, and it was obvious Kansas City had struggled to hold onto the slimy leash. .

Almuth Schult's Pivotal Performance

But while Chawinga was the headliner in attack, Almuth Schult was the backbone of Kansas City's backline. In a match where Courage enjoyed more possession and was able to press quite effectively, Schult was skillful and composed. She caught or otherwise handled the most dangerous Courage attempts that came her way, giving her fellow defenders a sense of security. Schult was the base of a defense that withstood Courage's pressure into the final whistle.

Kansas City Current's Test of Endurance

With the scoreline, the Current just won this match. Yes, they put more shots and attacked hungrily but had to endure the opponent's barrage of attempts at goal. In fact, Kansas City managed 13 total shots to Courage's 12 for a somewhat even balance in attack. Without the dominant possession, Current were effective in their strategy while attacking - counterattacks and quick finishes.

A Big Challenge Awaits

With this quarterfinal win, Kansas City Current now goes through to the semifinals, where a date with Orlando Pride awaits. This will, without a doubt, turn out to be an even fiercer challenge-in an atmosphereACE thick with expectation. The Pride, supported by a raucous home crowd and boasting of a well-rounded lineup, will present a formidable opponent that will demand everything Kansas City Current has to offer. Kansas City enters this matchup with confidence and momentum after their first-ever home playoff win, ready for what the rest of the NWSL playoffs have in store.