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KC Current move on to NWSL semifinals after playoff win over Angel City FC
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- KC Current move on to NWSL semifinals after playoff win over Angel City FC
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Current aren't ready for their season to end and after the way last year's playoff run ended, they're making sure they get another chance.
The Current took another step toward an NWSL championship Saturday, defeating Angel City FC 1-0 in extra time at CPKC Stadium to advance to the league semifinals.
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Forward Michelle Cooper delivered the difference, converting a penalty kick in the 96th minute to send Kansas City through.
Saturday's win meant much more than just advancing to the next round. It was another opportunity for a team still looking to turn regular-season success into a postseason championship.
A year ago, the Current entered the playoffs as the top seed after a historic regular season. Kansas City won its first NWSL shield, setting league records with 21 wins and 65 points.
The team seemed poised for a deep postseason push, but their season ended in heartbreaking fashion.
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Facing No. 8 seed Gotham FC in the quarterfinals at CPKC Stadium, the Current watched their championship hopes disappear in a 2-1 extra-time loss. Gotham scored the game-winning goal in the 121st minute, stunning the home crowd and ending Kansas City's season.
This year's team has another opportunity to write a different ending.
Saturday's victory also carried a personal significance for Cooper, who missed last year's playoff game because of injury.
Now healthy and back in the postseason, she delivered the goal that kept the Current's championship hopes alive.
Kansas City had to earn it against an Angel City team that entered the playoffs on a 10-game unbeaten streak. The two teams were also tied for the most goals scored during the regular season, with 54 apiece.
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Instead of an offensive shootout, Saturday's matchup turned into a defensive battle.
That's when Cooper stepped up.
The Current now advance to the NWSL semifinals for the third time in franchise history.
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Last year's ending still serves as a reminder of how quickly a promising season can disappear in the playoffs.
This time, the Current have another chance — and they're one step closer to making the ending different.
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