KC Current stays unbeaten as Temwa Chawinga makes history in victory over Angel City

Make that two sellouts and two wins for the KC Current at the new CPKC Stadium.

The Current defeated Angel City FC 4-2 at home on Saturday, improving to 3-0-0 on the season.

Forward Temwa Chawinga scored the first goal of her young NWSL career on Saturday. It was the first goal by a Malawian player in NWSL history.

The goal came in the 51st minute, a perfect response to an Angel City goal by Sydney Leroux a minute prior.

While Chawinga’s speed was evident as ever on Saturday, Current coach Vlatko Andonovski was sure to mention that there’s more to the offseason signing.

“I don’t want her to be defined by speed, because that’s not all she is,” Andonovski said. “She’s a very creative player.”

Andonovski also mentioned her ability to assist goals, something she was credited with in the early minutes of Saturday’s match to help put the Current on the board.

Midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo — who scored in the 6th minute to put KC up 1-0, thanks to service from Chawinga — was equally complimentary.

“I think she’s honestly so much more than her speed,” DiBernardo said. “I think she’s a great player. She’s strong. She works hard, she works hard offensively and defensively. … She’s been just a great asset to our team. … I think you guys are finally seeing what we saw.”

The score remained 1-0 for some time, but fireworks were coming — both late in the half and for the rest of the game.

DiBernardo found forward Alexa Spaanstra in first-half stoppage time, and the Current had a 2-0 lead.

“Once I saw (DiBernardo) make an overlapping run, I knew I had to time my run perfectly,” Spaanstra said. “I guess I did.”

DiBernardo has three goal contributions through three games of the young season.

“I think we just have so many dangerous players on the field that like to play, and I think that I work well on that,” DiBernardo said. “Having players around you that make it easier for you is nice.

“I think we’re still getting to know each other at the beginning of the year, so I think our offense is still a work in progress. But we’re happy with where we’re at.”

Even so, there were some tense moments late.

The Current’s (early) perfect season seemed to be in some jeopardy late in Saturday’s match. First, Angel City scored in the 79th minute — the score was 3-2. Then, Angel City’s Rocky Rodriguez scored what looked to be the tying goal in the 84th minute.

But a VAR review disallowed the goal — for offside — and KC needed to survive 11 more minutes of stoppage time to close out the win.

Forward Bia Zaneratto provided some greatly appreciated insurance with a goal that made it 4-2.

And then came another memorable moment: Veteran midfielder Desiree Scott made a long-awaited return to the pitch after missing all of the 2023 season with a knee injury.

“Desi’s an important piece of the puzzle,” Andonovski said. “You can tell how excited the players were for her. First and foremost, she’s one of those leaders that is rooted into the team.”

The Current now takes a short break for international play and enters the break at the top of the NWSL table.

Up next: KC returns to action with a matchup at NJ/NY Gotham FC on April 14 before returning for a another home match at CPKC Stadium, this one on April 20 against Bay FC.

“Playing in front of 11,000-plus fans, they’re the best in the world,” Spaanstra said. “They show up every single game, so couldn’t ask for more.”