KANSAS CITY – Both Semifinals at the NWSL Summer Cup were not super exciting. The first game between Angel City and Gotham FC finished 1-0 in favor of Gotham. Originally, the Current vs Courage game looked like it would be a fun one. But, it also became rather tough to watch. A very early and very late goal decide the second semifinal.
Temwa Chawinga had not seen the pitch in the last two games after picking up a knock against the Houston Dash in the first group game of this tournament. She made her appearance tonight in the starting lineup. She then went on to score just two minutes into the game! The ball had bounced around the box quite a bit and then found the feet of Chawinga. She then put the ball in the back of the net with ease to put KC ahead in the second minute! This was Chawinga’s first goal of the tournament and thirteenth goal of the season!
Following the goal, the game calmed down quite a bit. The possession was fairly even for the next 40 minutes and each team created a few chances. None of these chances led to a goal or even a big save from either goalkeeper. It also started cooling significantly compared to the first game when it was sweltering. The first half finished 1-0 in favor of Kansas City.
The second half was much like the last 42 minutes of the first half. Lots of possession, not a lot of action. The Current had a few decent chances but they were denied by the woodwork. In the 75th minute, North Carolina had their best chance of the night. Goalkeeper, AD Franch came up big with a save off to her right side to maintain the clean sheet for KC.
Just when I thought there was nothing else to write about this game. Debinha finds herself a goal! Temwa Chawinga originially created a great chance for herself but her shot was blocked. The ball then was intercepted by Debinha who buried it home first time! This goal was scored in the 78th minute. It was Debinha’s fifth goal of the tournament and fifth of the year. It seemed like this tournament has provided a lot of confidence for Debinha. Debinha thanked her teammates for the confidence they have instilled in her and credits them for her recent success.
The Kansas City Current move on to the NWSL x Liga MX Feminel Summer Cup Final. This game will be played in San Antonio on October 25th. They will be taking on Gotham FC. This Gotham FC team will be a very different team than what fans may have seen tonight as they will have their international players back. That game will be a great test for KC as they continue on their push to win the NWSL!
