In Kansas City, USA, Corinthians faces a tough battle against Kansas City Current in the Teal Rising Cup final, held at CPKC Stadium on the night of July 15, 2025. Until the 74th minute of the second half, the American team leads 2-1, with goals from Michelle Cooper and Mallory Long, while Corinthians scored once in the first half. The match, part of a friendly tournament during the Copa América break, showcases the intensity of international women’s football, with Kansas City capitalizing on home support and Corinthians struggling to overcome absences and opponent pressure. The game, broadcast by SporTV, remains ongoing, with Timão seeking a comeback.
The match began with Kansas City Current setting a strong pace. At the 3rd minute, Michelle Cooper opened the scoring with a swift move down the left. By the 23rd minute, Mallory Long extended the lead, solidifying the American dominance. Corinthians, despite nine absences, including players called up for the Brazilian National Team, managed to respond at the 25th minute of the first half, scoring a goal that brought hope to the team led by Lucas Piccinato.
- Key moments of the first half:
- 3’ 1H: Michelle Cooper scores for Kansas City Current.
- 23’ 1H: Mallory Long extends the lead for Kansas City.
- 25’ 1H: Corinthians pulls one back with a goal late in the first half.
Kansas City’s relentless attack
Kansas City Current displayed offensive efficiency from the opening whistle. Coached by Vlatko Andonovski, the team capitalized on the speed of players like Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper, who constantly troubled the Corinthians defense. The home crowd, filling CPKC Stadium, boosted the team, which controlled possession and shots in the first half. Their strategy of pressing Corinthians’ ball distribution led to defensive errors, resulting in the two quick goals.
In the second half, Kansas City maintained their intensity, but Corinthians adjusted their marking, making it harder for the opponents to break through. Despite this, the American team kept creating chances with wing play and dangerous crosses. Corinthians’ goalkeeper Kemelli was tested with at least two crucial saves, keeping the score at 2-1 until the 74th minute.
Timeline of key plays
The match was marked by decisive moments that shaped the partial scoreline. Below are the main plays until the 74th minute of the second half:
- 3’ 1H: Michelle Cooper receives a pass in the box and finishes accurately to open the scoring.
- 23’ 1H: Mallory Long capitalizes on a loose ball in the box to score Kansas City’s second goal.
- 25’ 1H: Corinthians responds with a goal from a team play, narrowing the gap.
- 50’ 2H: Kemelli makes a great save on a shot from Temwa Chawinga, preventing a third goal.
- 68’ 2H: Gabi Portilho attempts an individual run but is dispossessed at the edge of the box.
Absences weigh on Corinthians
Corinthians took the field with a depleted squad, missing nine players, including Mariza, Yaya, Duda Sampaio, and Jhonson, who are with the Brazilian National Team at the Copa América. The absence of key players like Lelê and Duda Mineira limited Lucas Piccinato’s options, who fielded a lineup with Kemelli in goal, Tamires at left-back, and Jheniffer up top. Despite the challenges, players like Vic Albuquerque and Gabi Portilho tried to lead the team, but the lack of cohesion was evident under Kansas City’s pressure.
Kansas City, meanwhile, also faced uncertainties with Bia Zaneratto and Debinha questionable until the last moment. Still, the team showed consistency, with standout performances from Alana Cook in defense and Claire Hutton in midfield. Haley Hopkins, who scored twice in the semifinal against Palmeiras, remained a constant threat.
- Standout players:
- Michelle Cooper: Scored the first goal and led offensive plays.
- Mallory Long: Extended the lead with an opportunistic finish.
- Kemelli: Prevented a larger scoreline with crucial saves.
- Vic Albuquerque: Tried to organize Corinthians’ attack.
Vibrant atmosphere at CPKC Stadium
CPKC Stadium, with a capacity of 11,500, is packed for the Teal Rising Cup final. Kansas City Current’s fans created a high-pressure environment with chants and flags echoing throughout the venue. A small group of Corinthians supporters, mostly Brazilians living in the USA, showed up to cheer for Timão amid the home dominance. The event organizers provided big screens with historic highlights and interactive areas, enhancing fan engagement.
The weather in Kansas City, with temperatures between 24°C and 28°C and a low chance of rain, favors a fast and technical game. The pitch, known for its quality, allows both teams to utilize quick passing and speedy plays, particularly benefiting Kansas City, who are familiar with the field.
Refereeing and VAR usage
The refereeing, led by a CONCACAF trio, has kept the game under control with quick and accurate decisions. VAR, available for controversial calls, was used at least once in the first half to review a potential foul in Corinthians’ box. Expectations are high for impartial officiating to ensure the result reflects the teams’ performances on the pitch.
- Refereeing details:
- Main referee: To be confirmed by CONCACAF.
- Assistants: Responsible for tracking offside and sideline plays.
- VAR: Used for reviewing critical moments.
Kansas City’s home strength
Kansas City Current, leading the NWSL with 11 wins in 13 games in the 2025 season, leverages the home advantage to dictate the pace. The team scored 32 goals in 13 league matches, with Temwa Chawinga topping the charts with eight goals. The Teal Rising Cup final is a chance to solidify their dominance in women’s football, especially after a 3-0 thrashing of Palmeiras in the semifinal.
Corinthians, despite the scoreline, showed resilience. The team, second in the Paulista Women’s Championship and in the Brasileirão Feminino quarterfinals, has experience in high-stakes competitions like the Libertadores. The contributions of Gabi Portilho and Jheniffer added dynamism, but the scoreline demands an immediate response to keep title hopes alive.
- Match numbers:
- Kansas City Current: 2 goals, 8 shots, 60% possession.
- Corinthians: 1 goal, 5 shots, 40% possession.
- Fouls: 10 for each team until the 74th minute.
The game, up to the 74th minute of the second half, sees Kansas City Current in the lead, but Corinthians is still searching for spaces to equalize. The Teal Rising Cup final underscores the importance of women’s football, with a clash blending Brazilian tradition and the rise of the sport in the United States.
