The NWSL playoffs have reached a fever pitch as the Kansas City Current prepare to face off against the Orlando Pride in a high-stakes semifinal match. However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Current as their star forward and 2024 NWSL Golden Boot winner, Temwa Chawinga, battles a knee injury that could limit her playing time or even keep her off the pitch entirely.
Chawinga’s Availability in Question
According to a close source, Chawinga was able to complete a full training session on Friday, but her status for Sunday’s match remains uncertain. “She will be available,” revealed Current head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “It’s only a question of, ‘How long?'”
The Malawian striker, who shattered the NWSL single-season scoring record with an astonishing 20 goals, has been the driving force behind Kansas City’s success this year. Her absence in the regular-season finale due to the knee injury raised concerns, but Chawinga managed to start and play the full 90 minutes in the team’s quarterfinal victory over the North Carolina Courage, even netting the game-winning goal.
Targeted by Opponents
Andonovski suggested that Chawinga has been the target of aggressive play from opposing teams. In the quarterfinal, she was subjected to a late foul and taunting from Courage forward Bianca St-Georges, prompting Current defender Ellie Wheeler to come to her teammate’s defense by shoving St-Georges.
They’re a very good team, they’re very organized. If we give them little space, they’re going to exploit them.
– Kansas City Current head coach Vlatko Andonovski on the Orlando Pride
Pride Unbeaten at Home
Standing in the Current’s way is a formidable Orlando Pride side that has not lost a single match at home this season. The Pride dispatched the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 in their quarterfinal and will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage to reach the NWSL final.
“Inter&Co Stadium has become a fortress for us,” said Pride defender Kylie Strom. “The fans have really shown out this year and it’s been so fun to play in. It’s such a huge advantage.”
A Budding Rivalry
The semifinal showdown marks the third meeting between the Current and the Pride this season, with both previous encounters ending in dramatic fashion. Orlando emerged victorious in a 2-1 thriller in July, despite playing the entire second half with 10 players, while the September rematch ended in a scoreless stalemate.
Strom acknowledged the growing rivalry between the two sides, noting, “Every time we’re ready to play them, it does feel like there’s a different sense, a different vibe in the locker room, and extra motivation and extra focus for whatever reason.”
Golden Boot Showdown
The match will also feature a face-off between the NWSL’s two most prolific goal-scorers this season. Orlando’s Barbra Banda finished second in the Golden Boot race with 13 goals, trailing only Chawinga’s record-breaking tally. Banda’s brace in the quarterfinal victory over Chicago served notice that she is hitting her stride at the perfect time.
With a spot in the NWSL final on the line and the opportunity to host the championship match in front of their home fans, the Current will be hoping that Chawinga can shake off her injury concerns and lead the charge. However, they will need to be at their absolute best to overcome a Pride team that has been virtually unbeatable in Orlando.
As the seconds tick down to kickoff, fans across the league will be holding their breath, waiting to see if Chawinga can once again rise to the occasion and propel her team to glory. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: this semifinal clash has all the makings of an instant classic.
