Kansas City defeats Gotham FC 2-0, reaches historic 20 wins and 62 points
The Kansas City Current made history Saturday evening, but head coach Vlatko Andonovski was equally focused on what the 2-0 victory over Gotham FC meant for his team’s playoff preparation.
The win gave Kansas City its 20th victory of the season and pushed the team’s point total to 62, both NWSL records. But Andonovski saw something more valuable than numbers.
“We cannot have a better opportunity to prepare for the playoffs than playing a team like Gotham,” Andonovski said after the match. “We were excited about this opportunity. As coaches, we were talking about how we can’t lose from this game. No matter what the score is, I know we are going to gain something.”
Bia Zaneratto opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header from a build-up that began with an Izzy Rodriguez corner kick. Though the first attempt was denied the ball was cycled back to Rodriguez as she ran back into the field of play. She made another cross that found Zaneratto with space in the center, and the Brazilian forward headed it home.
Temwa Chawinga, whose availability has been limited due to injury, came on as a halftime substitute and doubled the advantage in the 51st minute with her league-leading 15th goal of the season. Zaneratto picked up the assist on Chawinga’s goal, sliding the ball forward into her path as she crossed just outside the 6-yard box.
The match served as an important test for Kansas City’s returning players. Andonovski made getting minutes for Chawinga, Kayla Sharples, and Hailie Mace a priority, with all three recovering from recent injuries.
“Those are stars on this team getting them back from injury,” Andonovski said. “We had to get those three players minutes in this game.”
Defender Gabrielle Robinson, who is working her way back into form after her own injury absence, appreciated the tactical challenge Gotham presented.
“If I can do the little things, if I can do my job, I know I’ll be in a safe spot to help the rest of the team,” Robinson said.
The Current’s defensive performance complemented the offensive milestones. Goalkeeper Lorena earned her 14th shutout of the season, breaking the NWSL single-season record previously held by Orlando’s Anna Moorhouse. Kansas City limited Gotham to just seven shots while facing a team that entered the match on an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
“It makes my job a lot easier having her in the back,” Robinson said of Lorena. “If I do my job, I know she’s gonna do hers.”
Andonovski praised his team’s defensive approach against Gotham’s possession-based attack, noting how the forwards contributed by pressing aggressively when opponents advanced into dangerous areas.
The victory extended Kansas City’s unbeaten streak to 17 consecutive regular-season matches and maintained their perfect home record. With two regular-season games remaining, the Current are positioned as the top seed heading into the NWSL playoffs.
Despite the historic accomplishments, Robinson emphasized the team’s measured approach.
“We’re just so focused on the next game always,” she said. “We’re happy we won this one. We’re focused on the next and then the next and then the next.”
The Current’s methodical preparation continues as they work to translate regular-season dominance into playoff success.
The Current will play at Houston on Oct. 18, then return home to wrap up the regular season against the San Diego Wave on Nov. 2. The first playoff game will take place the following weekend, Oct. 7 through 9, with the date and time dependent on final league results.
