NWSL roundup: Current crush Stars, extend unbeaten streak

Field Level Media|published: Fri 26th September, 22:32 2025

Sep 26, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Midge Purce (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Portland Thorns FC during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga each had a goal with an assist as the NWSL-leading Kansas City Current extended their unbeaten run to 15 straight with a 4-1 home victory over the Chicago Stars on Friday.

Debinha opened the scoring seven minutes into the match and Lo'eau LaBonta recorded her NWSL-record-tying 14th career penalty-kick goal late in the contest for Kansas City.

The Current (18-2-2, 56 points) equaled the league mark for regular-season wins by improving to 13-0-2 since dropping two straight on April 27 and May 3.

Chawinga assisted on Zaneratto's goal in the 51st minute before scoring herself in the 73rd minute.

Though Chicago (2-11-9, 15 points) was officially eliminated from the playoff race with the defeat, Nadia Gomes' 58th-minute strike ended the Current's league-record 870-minute shutout streak. Meanwhile, the Stars' Alyssa Naeher (six saves) became the first NWSL goalkeeper to record 700 regular-season saves.

The Stars have lost two in a row following a 1-0-6 stretch.

Gotham FC 3, Thorns 0

Rose Lavelle had a goal with an assist as host Gotham topped Portland in Harrison, N.J., and improved to 4-0-1 in the past five matches.

After Midge Purce scored 10 minutes into the contest, Lavelle converted just before halftime for Gotham FC (9-6-7, 34 points). Lavelle then assisted on Katie Stengel's goal on 73 minutes.

Portland (8-7-7, 31 points) managed just four overall shots, and two on target for the match. The loss halted the Thorns' three-match unbeaten stretch (1-0-2).

--Field Level Media