The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) witnessed a historic weekend as Temwa Chawinga set the single-season goal record and Gotham FC secured a top-four playoff spot. Meanwhile, a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time from the North Carolina Courage prevented Angel City from earning a victory. Here’s a look at all the exciting action from Saturday night.
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Temwa Chawinga Sets NWSL Single-Season Goal Record in Kansas City’s 1-0 Victory Over Bay FC
Chawinga’s Record-Breaking Night
Temwa Chawinga made history by scoring her 19th goal of the season, breaking the NWSL record for goals in a single season. The Kansas City Current forward surpassed Sam Kerr’s previous mark of 18 goals, set in 2019 with the Chicago Red Stars. Chawinga’s record-setting goal came in the 35th minute against Bay FC when she unleashed a right-footed shot from just outside the box, sending the ball into the left corner past goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland.
“It means a lot to me because I work hard to score goals,” Chawinga said in a postgame interview on ION. “The whole team, we have good players, and they are working so hard. I’m very happy to be with them because they help me a whole lot. I’m happy to be (with Kansas City).”
Current’s Defensive Stand
In addition to Chawinga’s record-breaking performance, Kansas City’s defense held firm throughout the match. Goalkeeper Almuth Schult made two crucial saves, earning her fifth shutout of the season. The victory pushed Kansas City (14-3-7, 49 points) into third place, just one point behind NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Bay FC’s Struggles Continue
Bay FC (9-14-1, 28 points) remains in eighth place after the defeat. Despite Rowland’s three saves, the team’s offense failed to find the back of the net, contributing to their third consecutive loss.
Gotham FC Clinches Top-Four Playoff Spot with Win Over Red Stars
Williams and Gonzalez Seal the Win
NJ/NY Gotham FC continued their strong season with a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. Lynn Williams scored from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Red Stars’ Cari Rocarro fouled Ella Stevens in the box. In stoppage time, Esther Gonzalez added a second goal, securing the victory and propelling Gotham FC (15-4-5, 50 points) into second place in the standings.
Berger Ties Franchise Record for Shutouts
Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made one save, tying the franchise record with her eighth shutout of the season. With the win, Gotham clinched a top-four spot in the playoffs, guaranteeing them a home match in the postseason.
Red Stars Denied Playoff Berth—For Now
The loss was a setback for the Chicago Red Stars (10-12-2, 32 points), who missed an opportunity to secure a playoff spot. However, they remain in contention for the final playoff berth, depending on the result of Sunday’s match between Racing Louisville FC and the Washington Spirit. A loss by Louisville would keep Chicago’s hopes alive.
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Angel City Draws 1-1 with North Carolina Courage After Dramatic Late Goals
Press Returns in Style
Angel City FC forward Christen Press made a triumphant return, scoring her first NWSL goal in 28 months after battling back from an ACL injury that required four surgeries. Press, a two-time World Cup champion, struck in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time, giving Angel City a late 1-0 lead. Her left-footed shot into the bottom left corner brought a wave of emotion, as it marked her first goal since June 11, 2022.
Wingate’s Quick Response
However, the lead was short-lived as the North Carolina Courage equalized just minutes later. Olivia Wingate capitalized on a pass from Denise O’Sullivan, beating Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haracic with a right-footed strike into the left corner. Wingate’s goal, her second of the season, salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Courage, who remain in fifth place (12-9-3, 39 points).
Angel City’s Difficult Season
Angel City FC (7-12-5, 23 points) continues to struggle in 10th place. The club has recently been penalized three points due to a salary cap violation, which has hurt their chances of making a playoff push.
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