KC Current returns to win column thanks to (yet another) goal by Temwa Chawinga

Temwa Chawinga scored for the eighth straight match and the Kansas City Current defense pitched a clean sheet to beat Utah Royals FC 1-0 Saturday at CPKC Stadium.

The victory halted the Current’s streak of three straight regular-season NWSL games with a loss.

The first half signaled a return of KC’s fast and furious intent. But numerous opportunities in the first 10 minutes never produced a clear-cut chance. It took nearly 40 minutes for the Current to register a shot on goal.

Current goalkeeper Almuth Schult made an incredible double save in the 18th minute to keep the match scoreless, and that’s where it stood at halftime.

Chawinga made her mark early in the second half. The Utah Royals took a corner kick in the 47th minute and the ball bounced out to KC’s Lo LaBonta. As LaBonta took a touch forward, it quickly turned into three-on-two in the Current’s favor.

LaBonta picked out the perfect pass for Chawinga to run onto and tuck into the net. Chawinga’s goal is her 15th of the season and she continues to lead the Golden Boot race. She has 21 total goal contributions in 18 matches this season.

The Current’s attention now shifts to a very daunting stretch of the 2024 season . The Current (11-3-5) occupies third place in the NWSL standings. KC next three matches are against fellow top-four clubs.

First up is a road match Friday at the Orlando Pride. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Central Time.

Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.