On Sunday, the Kansas City Current secured a 4-1 victory over the Portland Thorns, with midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta scoring two goals in the first half. LaBonta’s impressive performance helped Kansas City maintain their unbeaten streak this season, with a record of 9-0-5 and 32 points. Stine Ballisager Pedersen and Temwa Chawinga also found the back of the net for the Current, who have scored at least four goals in a match five times this season. Portland, with a record of 7-5-2 and 23 points, struggled to get past Kansas City goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, with Sophia Smith scoring the Thorns’ lone goal in the 73rd minute.
In another game, the Courage defeated the Red Stars 3-1, with Ashley Sanchez scoring the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute. Despite Mallory Swanson giving the Red Stars an early lead, Tyler Lussi quickly equalized for the Courage before Sanchez and Meredith Speck secured the win for the home team.
The Spirit also emerged victorious, beating Gotham 2-0, with Courtney Brown and Trinity Rodman finding the back of the net. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made three crucial saves for Washington, denying NJ/NY’s Katie Stengel on a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Despite playing with a player down due to a red card, the Spirit managed to end Gotham’s eight-match unbeaten streak.
Lastly, Racing Louisville and Reign played to a 1-1 draw, with Reilyn Turner scoring a late equalizer for Louisville in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Despite Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey’s stellar performance, Bethany Balcer’s early penalty kick had initially put Seattle ahead. The match saw Louisville playing with 10 players for most of the game due to a red card, but they managed to secure a point with Turner’s late goal.
Overall, it was an action-packed round in the NWSL, with exciting matches and standout performances from key players. The results have further intensified the competition in the league as teams continue to battle for a spot in the playoffs. Fans can look forward to more thrilling games as the season progresses.
