


Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper score as Kansas City Current beat Bay City FC | TSN


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Kansas City Current Open NWSL Season with a 2‑0 Win over Bay City FC
Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper gave the Current a confident start, scoring the only goals in a 2‑0 victory over Bay City FC on a bright Saturday afternoon in Kansas City.
The match, which took place at the Current’s home training facility on Saturday March 17, 2024, served as a showcase for the club’s preparations ahead of the regular NWSL season. With 5,300 in attendance and a live stream on TSN, the game offered a taste of the competitive rhythm the Current will bring to the league. Bay City FC, a relatively new entrant from the USL W League, put up a spirited challenge but ultimately fell short.
The Flow of the Game
Kansas City’s possession‑centric approach was evident from the opening whistle. The Current’s midfield duo of Tiana Gordon and Lillian Carter controlled the tempo, limiting Bay City’s opportunities to create clear chances. Bay City, in a 4‑3‑3 setup, tried to press high but struggled to sustain possession in the Central American‑style attack the Current is known for.
In the 12th minute, the game was broken by a swift counter‑attack. A quick interchange between Gordon and forward Aisha Nash sent the ball to Temwa Chawinga at the edge of the box. Chawinga, who has been a prolific scorer for the Current all season, calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Tiffany Cannon to give Kansas City a 1‑0 lead.
Bay City fought back in the 28th minute, forcing a corner. The delivery hit the post, and the Current’s defense held firm. In the 37th minute, the referee issued a yellow card to Bay City striker Darren Lee for a reckless tackle on Carter.
A Second Half Resurgence
Bay City made several substitutions before the break, hoping to find the breakthrough they needed. The first half ended 1‑0 to the Current. In the second half, the Current extended their lead in the 58th minute. After a defensive error by Bay City, the ball fell to Michelle Cooper, who was positioned high on the edge of the box. Cooper, a midfielder who has been quietly contributing from deep, turned and powered a shot into the top corner, making it 2‑0.
Bay City did not give up. In the 71st minute, they pushed for a response, with striker Jordan Kemp creating a cross into the box. The ball landed in the hands of Bay City’s captain, but the current’s goalkeeper, Cannon, made a decisive save. The final minutes saw Bay City launch a handful of counter‑attacks, but the Current’s defense and a disciplined shape kept them from turning the tide.
Individual Highlights
- Temwa Chawinga – The South‑African striker’s first goal of the season came in the 12th minute. Her poise in front of goal and ability to find space earned her a spot on the “Player of the Match” list.
- Michelle Cooper – Cooper’s goal in the 58th minute showcased her aerial threat and finishing from a distance. The midfielder also collected 7 tackles and contributed to the team’s 52% possession.
- Tiffany Cannon – The Current’s goalkeeper made 4 saves, including a vital one in the 71st minute, keeping the scoreline firm.
- Darren Lee – Bay City’s striker was disciplined for a reckless tackle and was booked in the 37th minute. He also provided a solid run down the flank and forced a corner.
Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Judy Smith welcomed the win, noting that “the team has maintained the intensity we want to see as we head into the season.” She highlighted the “solid midfield control” and “defensive cohesion” that kept Bay City from creating clear chances. “We’re happy to see the young players making an impact and the forwards finishing well,” Smith added.
Bay City’s head coach, Marcus Lloyd, praised his team’s effort. “We know we’re playing a higher‑level side, and the players fought hard,” Lloyd said. “The game is a great experience for the squad and will help us grow.”
Why This Match Matters
The 2‑0 victory is more than just a friendly win; it signals the Current’s readiness to compete at the highest level of women’s soccer. The team’s performance—especially the midfield’s control and the forwards’ clinical finishing—has generated optimism among the fan base and the media.
For Bay City, the match provided a benchmark against professional opposition. While the scoreline was decisive, the club’s young roster demonstrated grit and a willingness to learn. Their players’ stamina and ability to press high will be vital as they progress through the USL W League season.
The match also underscored the growing depth in women’s soccer in the United States, with clubs from different leagues crossing paths on the pitch. It’s an exciting sign that the sport is expanding and that fan engagement is increasing, as evidenced by the crowd at the Current’s training ground and the viewership on TSN.
Looking Ahead
Kansas City’s next fixtures include a friendly against the Houston Dash on Sunday and a pre-season match against the Chicago Red Stars on Monday. Both games will test the squad’s depth as the coaching staff prepares for the official NWSL schedule.
Bay City will turn their focus to the USL W League’s upcoming conference opener, where they will face the Sacramento Storm in the first week of the regular season. The experience gained from playing the Current will likely prove invaluable as they fine-tune their strategies.
As the 2024 NWSL season approaches, the Kansas City Current’s opening win over Bay City FC provides a strong foundation. With key players like Chawinga and Cooper already finding their rhythm, the team looks poised to challenge for top honors in the league.
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[ https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/temwa-chawinga-michelle-cooper-score-as-kansas-city-current-beat-bay-city-fc-1.2356251 ]