Back in CPKC stadium after a tough loss in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the Current returned to take on the top-of-the-table Portland Thorns on Sunday. The match was highly anticipated, given the implications of getting the win in the so-called “Fortress” that Kansas City calls home. With a Portland win, the Thorns could further assert dominance over the rest of the league and separate themselves from the chasing Utah Royals. In Kansas City’s case, a win would continue to propel them up the table, extend the home winning streak to nine (the highest in NWSL history), and extend the home undefeated streak to 22 (tied for highest in league history with 2014-15 Seattle Reign). As expected, the stadium boasted another sold out crowd, but this time with some Portland crimson sprinkled in. Nonetheless, the stadium was buzzing with energy.
As the game began, it was clear that the game would be a shootout- and a goalkeeping master class. Each side had their fair share of chances, although it seemed that Portland was in control. Indeed, in just the 14th minute, a throw in deep in the Current’s half led to a give-and-go between Sophia Wilson and Pietra Tordin, which allowed Wilson to dribble into the box and deliver the first goal of the match. Both teams continued to hammer the opposing defense, including a break away from Wilson that was dashed by Kayla Sharples, and a huge save from Mackenzie Arnold to keep Temwa Chawinga from tying the score.
Late in the second half, following a hydration break due to the high temperatures in Missouri, the Thorns had fans on the edges of their seats as they sent in three corner kicks in a row. It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before the Current found themselves in a two goal deficit. On the contrary, in the 41st minute, Ally Sentnor wrangled a ball in the air down to her feet on the edge of Portland’s box and laid off a pass to her left for Lo’eau LaBonta to take a touch and place a powerful strike in the bottom left corner of the frame. In the post game presser, both head Coach Chris Armas and players Haley Hopkins and Croix Bethune mentioned how important LaBonta’s goal and energy were for the team going into half time. The goal likely served as a confidence booster, after LaBonta missed a penalty kick in the team’s loss at Angel City earlier this week.
The Team Celebrates Around Ally Sentnor and Lo’eau LaBonta After the Game-Tying Goal
With a tied game, the teams left the field for halftime. During the break, military service members were honored for Military Appreciation Day, including four members of the Current’s own staff. In addition, United States Women’s National Team hockey player and olympic gold medalist, Joy Dunne, sent Kansas City into the second half by leading the “KC Baby” chant from the supporter’s section of the stadium.
As the whistle blew for the second half, both teams got back to business. Several opportunities were facilitated through Bethune’s expert vision, and it paid off in the 63rd minute. She drove forward through the middle of the field, sent a ball through the narrow gap of LaBonta and her defender, and landed it right at the field of Chawinga inside of the six yard box. All that was required was a simple curved shot to give the Current their first lead of the day. By the time the goal was announced in the stadium, the crowd was chanting “TemVP!,” giving the star her well-deserved flowers.
The Powerful Duo of Bethune and Chawinga Celebrate After Another Successful Connection
Moments later, Portland nearly tied the score at two. Fortunately, the Current got a break, and the goal was called offside. The match continued to be a goalkeeping masterclass, as both keepers posted showstopping saves in order to keep their team in the match. Knowing that a 2-1 lead is one of the most vulnerable scores in soccer, only one substitution (Hopkins for Sentnor) was made until the 85th minute. With just five minutes left in regulation, Cooper and Bethune both exited the match, replaced by Laney Rouse and Amelia White respectively. Armas noted after the game that his goal with the substitutions was to maintain the offensive momentum, rather than take on more pressure by swapping to defensive tactics. With the pace from fresh legs and five minutes of stoppage time, Kansas City continued to attack relentlessly. In another breathtaking play by the back to back Golden Boot winner, Chawinga won a loose ball on the wing near the half line, dribbled down the field into Mackenzie’s box, and set Hopkins up for an easy far post shot, putting the Current ahead 3-1. As the game came to a close, Chawinga was replaced by Penelope Hocking,the crowd chanted “blow the whistle,” and the Current solidified the 3-1 win.
Hopkins and Chawinga High Five Following the Goal that Secured the Win
This game marks the third time this season that the Current have come back from behind to win a match at home, and the third game in a row that the team has scored three goals in a match. In addition, Kansas City now holds the record for most consecutive home wins in league history (9) and is tied with the 2014-15 Seattle Reign for the most consecutive undefeated home matches in league history (22). On average, Kansas City scores 2.6 goals per home game this season.
Prompted by a question from the Kansas City Star’s PJ Green about maintaining confidence when the team gets scored on early, Bethune answered with gusto.
“I feel like that goal didn’t necessarily scare us or bring us down,” she said. “Okay, they got one opportunity, put it in the back of the net, cool. We still had what, 70 minutes to play?”
Bethune’s confidence echoes the experience the team has in coming back from behind in other games, and how well the team performs at home. She added that they always know that a goal will happen for them, and once they get there, they’ll score another.
Kansas City returns to CPKC in less than a week, on Saturday, May 30th for the annual Pride Day, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. The Current will face Boston Legacy FC, who will be taking to the CPKC pitch for the first time in its inaugural season. The game is set to start at 12:30 PM CT and will be the first meeting between the two teams.
- Emilie Bartlett
