Two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga makes awaited return, dominates in Kansas City win

Chawinga's return from injury helps Current snap 3-game losing streak against reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:48am

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Two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga made her highly anticipated return to the pitch on Saturday, playing a key role in Kansas City Current's 2-1 victory over reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC. Chawinga, who had been sidelined with an adductor injury since October 2025, provided an assist on the opening goal as the Current snapped a 3-game losing streak to start the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Chawinga's return is a major boost for the Kansas City Current, who struggled mightily in her absence and were in danger of falling behind in the NWSL standings early on. The win over Gotham FC, the defending NWSL champions, shows the Current are still a force to be reckoned with when Chawinga is on the field.

The details

In a rematch of the 2025 NWSL quarterfinals, where Gotham FC eliminated the 2025 NWSL Shield winners Kansas City Current from the playoffs, the Current flipped the script with a 2-1 victory. Debinha and Michelle Cooper scored the goals for Kansas City, while Jaedyn Shaw netted the lone goal for Gotham FC. Chawinga, who was just activated off the season-ending injury list 24 hours prior to the match, made her presence felt with a subtle assist on the opening goal.

  • Chawinga was removed from the season-ending injury list just 24 hours prior to the Kansas City vs. Gotham FC match on April 5, 2026.
  • The Current snapped a 3-game losing streak to start the 2026 NWSL season with the win over Gotham FC.

The players

Temwa Chawinga

A two-time reigning NWSL MVP and back-to-back Golden Boot winner who was sidelined with an adductor injury since October 2025.

Debinha

A Kansas City Current attacker who scored one of the team's two goals in the win over Gotham FC.

Michelle Cooper

A Kansas City Current attacker who scored one of the team's two goals in the win over Gotham FC.

Jaedyn Shaw

A Gotham FC attacker who scored the lone goal for her team in the loss to Kansas City.

Savannah McCaskill

A Gotham FC midfielder who provided the assist on Shaw's goal.

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What’s next

The NWSL will take a short break for the international window, with games resuming on April 24. The extra time off could benefit the Kansas City Current as they look to build on their win over Gotham FC and continue to integrate Chawinga back into the lineup.

The takeaway

Temwa Chawinga's return from injury provides a major boost for the Kansas City Current, who struggled mightily in her absence and were in danger of falling behind early in the NWSL standings. The win over the defending champions Gotham FC shows the Current are still a force to be reckoned with when their star player is on the field.