The Kansas City Current (5-4-4; 19pts 6th place) started August with a roadtrip against the league-leading San Diego Wave FC (7-3-4; 25pts 1st). With an unbeaten streak number 8, the Current was facing a San Diego squad that had lost only one match in the past two months. The Wave defeated the Chicago Red Stars by a score of 1-0 on July 30, 2017.
Kansas City scored two goals in the first period and held off a Wave rally in the second to win 2-1.
Notes for the Starting XI: Kristen Edmonds, Alex Loera and Cece Kizer return to action after being absent last week. Elyse Bennett was also on the bench, while Kristen Hamilton (and Cece Kizer) led the attack. Also, Claire Lavogez made her KC Current debut in the 78th minute, subbing for Lo’eau LaBonta.
Highlights: The Current got off to a quicker start in San Diego. They moved the ball faster and looked more organized. It led to an opportunity early in the 8th minute for Lo’eau LaBonta to take a shot from the center of the box, but it was saved by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Kate Del Fava was presented with an opportunity four minutes later after Hailie Mace’s pass, but she was unable connect.
San Diego put on some pressure but Kansas City responded and scored the winning goal in the 27th minute. Cece Kizer was running on the right side of the pitch when Kristen Hamilton sent Cece Hamilton a long pass. Kizer was able to pass the ball past Naomi Girma and scored her fourth goal in six games.
The Current increased their lead to 2-0 in the 39th minute when Hailie Mace scored from the top right corner of the box, leaving no marks and with enough space for a shot.
After Kansas City awarded a penalty kick at the 67th minute, The Current had a chance to make it 3-0. Elyse Bennet was taken out of the penalty area. LaBonta took the penalty kick as usual. However, Sheridan made another important save and the game remained at 2-0.
San Diego attempted a late second-half rally but was unable to press the Kansas City defense. Amirah Ali scored a goal from the middle box in the 88th minutes, catching AD Franch (and the KC defense) off guard.
Kansas City held strong to the end. They won 2-1 and extended their unbeaten streak at nine. This makes them a serious contender for the playoffs.
The post KC Current win in San Diego, 2-1; Unbeaten streak extends to 9. first appeared on Raw News.
