Chawinga's Historic Night Lifts Kansas City Current Over Bay FC

Kansas City Current's scoring machine Temwa Chawinga (6) in action against Bay FC. Photo by Bernard Caston for Tangent Zine

Entering Bay FC's home at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, Temwa Chawinga led the NWSL in goals scored within a single season at 18, tied with one of the best strikers in the world and former Chicago Red Stars Sam Kerr.

Bay FC's Abby Dahlkemper with a free kick against Kansas City Current. Photo by Bernard Caston for Tangent Zine

But records are meant to be broken. In her first year as a striker for Kansas City Current, the Malawian international has been a menace to the opposing team's defense.

On the road against Bay FC, Chawinga found the back of the net in the 35th minute, stealing the ball from a careless turnover, muscling her way for position and detonating a rocket just outside the penalty box for her 19th goal of the season.

Always humble even in victory, Temwa had this to say at ION's postgame interview: “(The record) means a lot to me because it’s a very difficult league, but I try my best and I need to work hard to score goals, so I thank my teammates and I thank God for giving me this chance to be here in the USA (and) play over here.”

Chawinga's lone goal was enough to give KC Current the win and pull 3-points on the road. They are now third place in the standings, one point behind NJ/NY Gotham FC. Bay FC struggled to create chances as it is without its vital pieces. Missing in action were Racheal Kundananji (lower leg), and Tess Boade (illness).

Highlights from Bay FC's YT Channel

After dropping its second consecutive home loss, Bay FC remain in 8th place and still 3 points clear of Racing Louisville for the last playoffs spot. They will play at home again on October 19 vs North Carolina Courage.

Photos by Bernard Caston for Tangent Zine