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The Kansas City Current pulled off a thrilling 2-1 win against the Houston Dash on Sunday to advance to the 2022 NWSL Semifinals.
Kansas City defender Kate Del Fava scored in the 10th minute of second half stoppage time to secure the win and avoid extra time (video below). According to Opta Sports, Del Fava’s 90 + 10′ goal is the latest non-extra time goal in NWSL history (regular season or playoffs).
“I said, ‘It’s the 99th minute, let’s take a chance and get in the box,’” Del Fava reflected. “And good things happened.”
It was also the first ever NWSL goal for Del Fava, a 24-year-old defender who was drafted into the league in 2020.
“First ever? Oh my god,” teammate Lo’eau LaBonta exclaimed upon learning that fact during the post-match press conference. “I thought it was just this year. Kate, that’s f—ing hype!”
As for the losing team, “It sucks,” Dash midfielder Marisa Viggiano said. “I’m so proud of this group. We left it out there for 100-plus minutes. … When you look at the bigger picture, everything we accomplished this year, we have a lot to be proud of ourselves.”
Sunday night’s quarterfinal marked the first NWSL playoff appearance for both Kansas City and the Houston Dash. They played in front of a sellout crowd of 21,284 at PNC Stadium in Houston, breaking the NWSL playoff attendance record — a record that is likely to be broken again in a few hours by the San Diego Wave.
“The atmosphere here was incredible,” Kansas City head coach Matt Potter said. “I’m so excited for the Houston Dash. They, like ourselves, were in uncharted waters.”
Kansas City got on the board in the fifth minute when LaBonta capitalized on a penalty, adding another iconic celebration to her resume (video below).
Houston equalized in the 21st minute with a goal off a set piece from Sophie Schmidt.
The game remained tied, 1-1, until Del Fava’s game-winner in the final minute of regulation — due in large part to clutch saves from both goalkeepers.
Kansas City keeper A.D. Franch had a particularly stellar showing, including saving a point blank shot from Michelle Alozie in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Follow Alex Azzi on Twitter @AlexAzziNBC
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Kansas City wins NWSL thriller with 90+10′ goal originally appeared on NBCSports.com
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