It took just two minutes for last season’s National Women’s Soccer League MVP to open her scoring account for 2025, putting the Kansas City Current on track to a 3-1 season-opening win over the Portland Thorns at CPKC Stadium on Saturday, March 15.

Forward Temwa Chawinga darted through the Thorns’ defensive line as Debinha sent the ball from midfield, then sent her shot over the shoulder of keeper Mackenzie Arnold, to record her first goal of the year. Kansas City would add to their lead 20 minutes later with Michelle Cooper’s rocket from outside the penalty area, then secured a third goal when Debinha chipped in Chawinga’s pass just in front of goal.

The Thorns pulled a goal back early in the second half when Olivia Moultrie rolled her shot between two defenders and past new Current keeper Lorena. Moultrie had a chance to bring the Thorns within one when a penalty was awarded in the 84th minute after Kayla Sharples was determined to have touched the ball with the underside of her arm in the penalty area. However, the penalty kick bounced off the crossbar.

The Current recorded 16 shots to the Thorns’ 12, including twice as many shots on goal. Kansas City start the season with three points, and will travel to Washington to face the Spirit next Saturday at 6:30 p.m.