Canada’s Nichelle Prince helps Current to NWSL scoring record in regular-season finale
The Kansas City Current made history on Saturday as they defeated the Chicago Red Stars 3-1 at Seat Geek Stadium, setting a new league record with 57 goals in the National Women’s Soccer League regular season. The Current’s impressive performance saw them score three goals in a 10-minute span, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Michelle Cooper opened the scoring for the Current in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish using her left foot. Debinha extended the lead just three minutes later, with Vanessa DiBernardo providing the assist for her sixth of the season. Nichelle Prince, a key player for Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, added a third goal for the Current in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box and securing the victory.
The Red Stars managed to pull one back in the 52nd minute, with Ally Schlegel finding the back of the net off a pass from Shea Groom. However, it was not enough to overcome the Current’s dominant performance.
With this win, the Current secured the No. 4 seed for the playoffs and will face the fifth-seeded North Carolina Courage in the upcoming matches. On the other hand, the eighth-seeded Red Stars will take on the first-place Orlando Pride in their playoff fixture.
In another NWSL matchup, the San Diego Wave emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Racing Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium. Maria Sanchez, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Dash earlier in the season, scored her first goal for San Diego to help lead her team to victory.
Jaedyn Shaw opened the scoring for the Wave in the 3rd minute with a well-placed cross that found the back of the net. Sanchez doubled the lead with a beautifully curled free kick in the 22nd minute. Although Louisville managed to pull one back through Bethany Balcer in the 68th minute, Savannah McCaskill’s header in the 76th minute sealed the victory for the Wave.
Despite their strong performance, neither San Diego nor Louisville qualified for the playoffs, bringing an end to their seasons.
Overall, it was an action-packed day in the NWSL, with the Kansas City Current making history with their record-breaking goal tally and securing a spot in the playoffs. Fans can look forward to more exciting matches as the postseason unfolds.
