USWNT REWIND: Current Set NWSL Record, Swanson Extends Scoring Streak

Rose Lavelle dribbles the ball for NY/NJ Gotham in a match against Seattle Reign FC
Rose Lavelle dribbles the ball for NY/NJ Gotham in a match against Seattle Reign FC

The Kansas City Current made NWSL history on Friday night, extending their unbeaten run to a league record 17 consecutive games with a 2-0 win over the Houston Dash at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City’s historic streak dates back to the final two games of the 2023 campaign and includes all 15 matches played this season. Kansas City controlled the play throughout and outshot the Dash 28-6 overall, including an 18-3 advantage in shots on goal, but were held scoreless until late in the second half when Malawi international Temwa Chawinga scored in the 77th and 80th minutes to lift the Current to their 10th win of the season.

The Current return to action on Saturday, July 6, hosting the Orlando Pride, the only other remaining unbeaten team in the league this season, for an enticing top-of-the-table clash. The Pride defeated Angel City FC 3-0 on Sunday night improved to 10W-0L-5D on the year and extend their unbeaten run, which began with the final game of 2023, to 16 consecutive matches. Zambian international Barbra Banda scored her 11th goal of the season, tied with Chawinga for the league lead, and Brazilian international Adriana also netted a brace for Orlando in the victory.

U.S. Women’s National Team and Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Swanson moved into fourth in the league scoring charts, scoring her sixth goal of the season and extending her scoring streak to three games in a row in the Red Stars 3-0 win over San Diego Wave FC on Friday night. Chicago took the lead just before halftime as Swanson served a cross in the 42nd minute that deflected off Wave defender Naomi Girma and into the back for the net for an own goal. Swanson officially put her name on the scoresheet in the 67th minute as she made a darting run down the middle of the field and collected a pass from forward Jameese Joseph inside the box. She took one touch to collect and then beat Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan with a high left-footed strike. Swanson’s three-game scoring streak is the longest of her NWSL career. Joseph scored again for the Red Stars in the 69th minute to secure Chicago the win away from home.

WATCH: SWANSON SCORES THIRD IN THREE GAMES

Fellow U.S. international and 2024 Olympian Rose Lavelle made it goals in back-to-back games for NJ/NY Gotham FC, scoring against her former club in a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday afternoon at Red Bull Arena. Lavelle, who joined Gotham as a free agent during the offseason, gave the home side the lead in the 47th minute, scoring off a one-touch shot from 10-yards out. The goal was her fourth of the season, already her second-most ever in a single NWSL season.

WATCH: LAVELLE GIVES GOTHAM LEAD

Lavelle’s goal looked to be the game-winner until late a Gotham own goal late in second-half stoppage time drew Seattle level and the match ended at 1-1.

Portland Thorns FC and Utah Royals FC recorded the only other draw of the weekend, playing to a scoreless tie on Saturday night in Sandy, Utah. The even affair saw the sides combine for 27 total shots on goal, though neither team was able to find the back of the net.

The North Carolina Courage did what few teams have been able this season and held the Washington Spirit scoreless in a 1-0 road win on Saturday night. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy made four saves for the Courage to record her sixth shutout of the season and Ashley Sanchez netted the game’s only goal in the 19th minute against her former club. The victory marked North Carolina’s first road win of the season and snapped the Spirit’s six-game unbeaten streak.

Rounding out the weekend action, Bay FC made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 1-0 win on the road over Racing Louisville FC on Saturday evening. Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute for the only goal of the game.

The final NWSL matches for the U.S. Women’s National Team before they leave for the Send-Off Matches and the Olympics can be found below. All times listed are ET.

Friday, July 5
NWSL: Portland Thorns FC vs. San Diego Wave FC 10:00 p.m. Prime Video
Saturday, July 6
NWSL: Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash 1:00 p.m. ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride 7:30 p.m. ION
NWSL: Angel City FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC 10:00 p.m. ION
NWSL: Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit 10:00 p.m. NWSL+
Sunday, July 7
NWSL: North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC 4:30 p.m. CBS Sports Network
NWSL: Seattle Reign vs. Utah Royals FC 6:00 p.m. NWSL+