NWSL roundup: Current cruise past struggling Stars

Kansas City Current Dominate as Zaneratto, Chawinga Lead Charge

The Kansas City Current continue to look like serious title contenders in the NWSL, and Saturday night’s 3-1 victory over the Chicago Stars only added fuel to the hype. With goals from Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga just seven minutes apart in the first half, the Current showcased offensive firepower that overwhelmed Chicago from the opening whistle.

Zaneratto opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing a well-worked move with composure. Minutes later, she turned provider, setting up Chawinga to score her sixth goal of the season. The duo’s chemistry was on full display as Chawinga split two defenders before sliding the ball into the far corner of the net with calm precision.

Chawinga’s brilliance is becoming routine, and her form is a massive reason why Kansas City (8-2-0, 24 points) now sits among the league’s elite.

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Sharples Seals It, Chicago Continues to Spiral

The Current didn’t stop at two. Kayla Sharples added a third goal, and while Shea Groom answered with a consolation goal early in the second half, Chicago never truly threatened to stage a comeback.

In fact, Groom’s goal was Chicago’s only shot on target the entire match. The Stars managed just two total attempts over 90 minutes and are now winless in their last six (0-5-1) since a 2-1 win over Bay FC back on April 13.

With a record of 1-8-1 (4 points), Chicago now sits firmly at the bottom of the standings, in desperate need of answers on both ends of the pitch.

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Bright’s Late Heroics Earn Houston a Draw Against Bay FC

While Kansas City was cruising, things were a bit more dramatic in Houston. The Dash found themselves trailing late, but Messiah Bright wasn’t about to let the game slip away.

In the 88th minute, Bright scored her first career NWSL goal, bringing the Dash level with a stunning individual effort. She sprinted down the left flank, shook off her defender with a quick move, and blasted a shot into the top corner past Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz.

That equalizer not only salvaged a point but gave Houston fans something to cheer about after last week’s 4-1 loss to the Portland Thorns.

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Houston Shows Life on Offense

The Dash offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up this season. So far, they’ve struggled to find the net consistently—but Saturday’s performance may signal a shift.

Avery Patterson opened the scoring for Houston in the 33rd minute, marking just the second time all season that the Dash have scored more than one goal in a single game.

With Bright breaking out and Patterson showing flashes of offensive quality, Houston might finally be building some attacking identity.

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Bay FC’s Early Surge Fizzles Late

Bay FC had the game in their hands after quick second-half strikes from Penelope Hocking and Rachel Hill, who scored just three minutes apart in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

It looked like the visitors were on their way to back-to-back wins for the first time this season—but Bright’s late equalizer stopped them in their tracks. Bay FC now stands at 3-4-3 (12 points) on the season.

Houston, meanwhile, is 3-6-1 (10 points) and continues to claw for position in a competitive league table.

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Goalkeeper Highlights: Smith, Silkowitz Stand Tall

While Bright grabbed headlines with her dramatic goal, goalkeepers on both sides were kept busy.

Abby Smith of Houston made three crucial saves to keep her side in the match, while Jordan Silkowitz recorded six saves for Bay FC—including a couple of jaw-dropping stops that nearly preserved the win.

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Quick Recap: Saturday’s NWSL Action

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