Kansas City Current turned an early setback into three points on Sunday, defeating Washington Spirit 2–1 at CPKC Stadium in a National Women’s Soccer League fixture decided by a frantic five-minute stretch.
All three goals arrived between the 12th and 17th minutes, with the Current responding almost immediately to falling behind before protecting their advantage through a goalless second half in front of 18,000 supporters.
Washington strike first, Kansas City answer twice
Clara Luvanga put Washington ahead in the 12th minute, giving the visitors an early foothold. Their lead, however, lasted just two minutes.
Lo’eau LaBonta equalized for Kansas City in the 14th minute, and Vanessa DiBernardo completed the turnaround with a 17th-minute goal. In the space of five minutes, the Spirit had gone from leading away from home to chasing the fixture.
That rapid response proved decisive. Kansas City carried their 2–1 advantage into halftime, and neither side added another goal after the interval.
Current make their chances count
Washington finished with 61.2 percent possession and a 12–7 advantage in total shots, but those numbers did not translate into an equalizer. Both teams registered three attempts on target, with Kansas City converting two of theirs to secure the victory.
The Spirit also edged the corner count 7–6. For all their greater share of the ball, they could not find the second goal needed to earn a draw.
Kansas City’s second-half task was to preserve the lead established so early. Croix Bethune was booked in the 48th minute and Elizabeth Ball received a yellow card in the 88th, but the hosts emerged from eight minutes of added time with their narrow advantage intact.
Next fixtures
Both clubs return to NWSL action on Sunday, November 1. Kansas City face Racing Louisville FC, while Washington take on Chicago Stars FC, with both fixtures scheduled for 2:00 PM PST.
For the Current, this was a victory built on a swift attacking response and the resolve to make it stand. Washington had more possession and more attempts, but Kansas City delivered the decisive goals.
