Kansas City shows early dominance before weathering Brazilian storm at CPKC Stadium
The Kansas City Current didn’t just win a soccer match Tuesday night—they authored the opening chapter of what they hope will be a long tradition.
In front of an energetic home crowd at CPKC Stadium, the Current claimed the inaugural Teal Rising Cup with a 2-1 victory over Brazilian powerhouse Corinthians SC, adding another piece of hardware to their growing trophy case and proving they can handle top-level international competition.
The story of this match was written in the opening half-hour, when Kansas City looked every bit the confident, well-drilled team that has become a fixture atop the NWSL standings. Michelle Cooper needed just three minutes to announce the Current’s intentions, finishing a clinical sequence that began with veteran midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta’s perfectly weighted through ball.
“We set a good tone early on, especially in the first 25 to 30 minutes,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski, whose tactical setup clearly caught Corinthians off guard in the early going. “I thought we had good control of the game.”
That control manifested itself beautifully in the 22nd minute when Cooper turned provider. After receiving a long ball from Katie Scott, Cooper’s pace took her past her marker and into dangerous territory. Her low cross found Mary Long, who was making just her second professional start, perfectly positioned in the six-yard box. Long’s finish was assured—a composed effort into the lower left corner that doubled Kansas City’s advantage and gave the young forward her first professional goal.
For 25 minutes, it looked like Kansas City might cruise to an easy victory. Then Corinthians reminded everyone why they compete at the highest level of Brazilian soccer.
Andressa Alves’s curled cross found Gabrielia Maria Demoner, whose header cut the deficit in half and suddenly made CPKC Stadium a much quieter place. The momentum had shifted, and the second half became a test of Kansas City’s mettle.
“They came back and they came back strong and made it very tough for us,” Andonovski admitted. “Which now, looking back, I’m glad that we won, but I’m also very happy that we won a good-fought game.”
The second half showcased Laurel Ivory’s potential between the posts. The reserve goalkeeper made three crucial saves, including an acrobatic tip over the crossbar in the 64th minute and a diving stop to deny a long-range effort ten minutes later.
The Current’s defense, marshaled by the reliable Kayla Sharples, bent but never broke. When Corinthians pressed forward, Kansas City’s backline held firm. When set pieces threatened, Sharples was there with timely clearances.
Forward Haley Hopkins, who earned MVP honors for her tournament performance that included a brace against Palmeiras on Saturday, nearly provided the insurance goal Kansas City desperately wanted. In the 54th minute, her setup for Izzy Rodriguez resulted in a shot that struck the crossbar.
But this Current team has shown throughout the season that they know how to close out matches. They’ve learned to find ways to win when pretty soccer gives way to pure determination.
The victory gives Kansas City its third trophy overall and second won at CPKC Stadium, that groundbreaking venue that continues to set the standard for women’s professional sports facilities. More importantly, it demonstrates that this Current squad can compete with international talent and handle pressure situations.
As confetti fell and players celebrated with the Teal Rising Cup, there was a sense that this tournament—and this victory—represented something larger than just a mid-season friendly. It was validation that Kansas City belongs among elite soccer clubs, regardless of confederation.
The Current return to NWSL action Friday when they travel to face Racing Louisville, carrying the confidence that comes from knowing they can beat quality opponents when the stakes are real and the pressure is on.
