Kansas City current forward Temwa Chawinga sets the NWSL single-season scoring record

Current Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga tied the NWSL single-season scoring record with a goal against Bay FC on Saturday night. It was Chawinga's 19th goal of the year, surpassing the previous record set by former Chicago Red Stars striker Sam Kerr, who set 18 goals in the 2019 season.

Chawinga's goal proved to be the only one of the night as the Current won 1-0 in California.

TC6 DO WHAT HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE 🗣️

Temwa Chawinga has officially broken that @NWSL Single season goal record with 19 goals!!!!#KCBABY pic.twitter.com/VyIoltqwqj

– KC Current – ​​x (@thekccurrent) October 13, 2024

Chawinga's record-breaking goal came in the 35th minute with a laser strike from outside the penalty area. The ball still rolled back out of the goal with so much force while the current players swarmed Chawinga in celebration.

“(The record) means a lot to me because it's a very difficult league, but I'm doing my best and I have to work hard to score goals,” Chawinga told the ION broadcast team after the game. “So I thank my teammates and I thank God for giving me the chance to be here in the United States (and play here).”

TEMWA CHAWINGA BREAKS THE @NWSL Points record in a single season! 👏#BAYvKC | @thekccurrent pic.twitter.com/Ed14jOPhi4

– NWSL on ION (@IONNWSL) October 13, 2024

It's worth noting that Kerr set her record in a shorter NWSL season, but that doesn't change Chawinga's new record as she was a goalscorer with Kansas City this year. She scored against 12 of the 13 opposing teams and needed just one goal against the San Diego Wave to complete the complete set in a single season. She'll get that opportunity at home next week when the Wave visit CPKC Stadium.

Chawinga equaled Kerr's record last week against Racing Louisville FC, needing just two minutes to score in that game – also away – and also gave the Current the game-winning goal.

With these 19 goals, Chawinga has the 2024 Golden Boot award firmly in his grasp, now six ahead of Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda. Both players also have six assists this season.

“TEMWA BABY ON 3” 🥹@L0momma | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/RfCaOKihZM

– KC Current – ​​x (@thekccurrent) October 13, 2024

Current coach Vlatko Andonovski was particularly pleased Chawingas Goal because they worked on their shot from outside the box.

“We know that teams are now trying to push her away and close the space in the area where she has most of her chances,” he said after the game. “She ran out and hit a bomb.”

The Current also won a home quarterfinal on Saturday, their first playoff game played at CPKC Stadium, which opened earlier this year. It will also serve as the venue for the NWSL Championship at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Kansas City Current, NWSL

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