Kansas City Current makes history with record goal and NWSL’s first Angolan | OneFootball

Kansas City Current did exactly what's warranted from a squad vying for the best. They traveled to the country's capital, drew a direct rival, and picked up the points. The 2-0 at Washington Spirit, in the side's second outing of the campaign, nailed the strong opening and propelled them atop the standings. With six points from two games, the runner-up of last year has begun 2025 showing consistency, equilibrium, and good choices in the key moments of each encounter.

Under control the first half, but not scoring

Kansas City started with pressure, opening up space, and advancing towards the goal from the first whistle. And in the 14th minute, LaBonta hit Michelle Cooper with a deep strike, and the forward got into position after edging around keeper Aubrey Kingsbur, to send it sailing over just above the crossbar. Then soon after that, Temwa Chawinga jumped on a pass-through from Claire Hutton, dodged the keeper again, and rolled it past to Debinha, who sent it sharply off the bar. KC was generating possibilities, controlling territory, and establishing tempo, yet the score had yet to advance beyond zero.

At the opposite end, Lorena was rock-solid whenever needed. And in the 35th minute, she came up with the half's highlight, stretching out to her right to stuff the ball off the post before she cleared it with her left hand. A timely save that kept the Current even at the half, even after a good beginning by the Spirit.

VAR-awarded penalty and LaBonta's score

Kansas City cranked it up again in the second half. In the 52nd, Debinha curled a ball into the box that deflected off a Spirit defender's arm. After a VAR review, the penalty was given. LaBonta entered with full confidence and tucked it into the right corner with ease, sending Kingsbury the wrong way. It was her initial scoring total of 2025 and the 10th penalty of her career scored in regular-season NWSL play, something that attests to her ability and calm under pressure.

The goal altered the game's pace. Washington sought to rally back, but Kansas City stayed locked in. The backline didn't crack, the midfield did not expand and lose cohesion, and Lorena stayed vigilant where she needed to be. The game plan wasn't altered with the close margin.

Angolan makes NWSL history

The second period also saw a moment in history. In the 81st minute, Flora Marta Lacho made her debut for Kansas City Current and became the first Angolan player to play in the league. It was a quiet debut on the field but no less important, a big milestone for club and league both.

Later in the half, Rocky Rodríguez recorded her own milestone, playing her 150th game of her career. A ceremonial occasion for the midfielder, who remains a consistent, veteran presence on the team.

Chawinga scores late

Again, like in the previous round, Temwa Chawinga came to the rescue in stoppage time. The forward pounced on a long ball from Hailie Mace, in her season debut—controlled it, beat the last defender, went around the keeper, and slid the ball into an empty net. Easy in its execution, gigantic in its context. The goal sealed the 2-0 win and set a new club record as the latest goal scored in franchise history in a regular season game. In the 99th minute, Chawinga put the game to bed and sealed her red-hot start to kick off 2025.