Photo Credit: Mary Grace Grabill/Chicago Stars FC.
Sunday’s National Women’s Soccer League slate featured a disciplined road performance from Chicago, a comeback win in Kansas City, and a tightly contested defensive battle in San Diego.
Swanson scores as Chicago defeats Bay FC for first road win
Chicago earned a 1-0 away win over Bay FC, with Mallory Swanson making an immediate impact in just her second appearance since returning from maternity leave.
The match’s key turning point came early, when Chicago forward Jordyn Huitema was fouled by Bay FC defender Aldana Cometti in the 12th minute, resulting in a red card that left the hosts down to 10 players. While Bay FC were able to hold off the Stars for the next hour, things went from bad to worse in the 62nd minute. Goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz handled the ball outside of her box and was shown a red card, leaving Bay with just 9 players for the remaining half hour.
Swanson entered the match at halftime and did not take long to make her mark against a depleted Bay FC squad. The U.S. international struck in the 70th minute with a low effort from the edge of the box that beat Bay substitute goalkeeper Emmie Allen at the near post, giving Chicago the decisive breakthrough.
It was Swanson’s first goal since returning to the game after an 18-month absence. She also featured as a substitute in her first match back the previous weekend, a 4-nil loss against North Carolina.
Current defeat Thorns to get back to winning ways
After a mid-week loss to Angel City, the Kansas City Current returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over the Portland Thorns.
Portland opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Sophia Wilson, who continued her strong return to action since maternity leave with an early finish to give the visitors the lead.
But Kansas City responded before halftime when captain Lo’eau LaBonta found the equalizer in the 41st minute to send the match into the break level.
The Current pulled ahead in the second half behind Temwa Chawinga, who restored the lead in the 63rd minute. Portland continued to press for an equalizer in the closely contested match, but Haley Hopkins secured the result for the Current with a stoppage-time goal, bringing the scoreline to 3-1.
Orlando Pride hold off San Diego Wave
The Orlando Pride secured a 1-0 win over the San Diego Wave FC in Sunday’s final match.
Nicole Payne scored in first-half stoppage time to give Orlando the advantage heading into the break.
San Diego controlled much of the possession and attacking play, outshooting Orlando 17-14 while also holding a significant edge in passing volume and accuracy. However, Orlando remained organized defensively and limited high-quality chances after taking the lead. The hosts continued to push for an equalizer in the second half, but Orlando held firm to secure the clean sheet and all three points on the road.
