Going for the Goal: Two players make league history with the Current

_{by Jenna Weyforth}

A long time coming: Michelle Cooper’s record-setting goal

Running, cheering and jumping into her teammates’ embrace with a shocked grin, Michelle Cooper celebrates her first goal as a professional soccer player.

She did not know it at the time, but the forward’s score would set the record for the fastest goal in NWSL history at 22 seconds into the game. The previous record of 24 seconds, held by Raquel Rodriguez, then of Sky Blue FC, was set on June 17, 2017. 

“To be honest, I was quite shocked,” Cooper said. “I thought it was going to come across first time, but being able to get that touch to settle it and knock it home was huge, and I was taken by surprise but got it done.”

Cooper has never been shy when it comes to taking a chance on goal.

A career-long top scorer, Cooper won the Golden Boot in the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship and racked up 31 goals through her sophomore season at Duke University.

Prior to her record-setting night with the Current, Cooper also led the team with 18 shots throughout the regular season.

At home at Children’s Mercy Park June 18 against Washington Spirit, the action began immediately. The team crashed into the box quickly after kickoff, and a deflected cross landed the ball right at Cooper’s feet. Taking a calm touch, she launched the ball just over the Spirit goalkeeper’s head and solidly into the back of the net.

“It was huge for me,” Cooper said. “I think it’s nice to be able to settle in a bit and be able to build that momentum into next game.”

Debinha makes history with 40 career goals

Many NWSL players have something in common— they would rather not defend against Debinha. It is often a losing battle.

Debinha locked in her 40^th career goal June 18 against the Washington Spirit, and she is the first Brazilian and 12^th player in the league to reach this achievement.

“Every goal that I score, I’m going to try to celebrate as much as I can,” Debinha said. “It’s the fun thing in the game.”

Just days before hitting this milestone, Debinha notched a brace, scoring both goals in the second half of the June 14 Challenge Cup match. After winning the game 4-0, Debinha said she and the team would be coming back with confidence on their side for her last home match before the World Cup.

Within the first 22 seconds, she was proven right after she crossed the ball into the box and became instrumental in her teammate’s first goal in the league.

Later in the first half, Debinha got her own opportunity. A Video Assistant Referee reviewed a handball in the box, and Debinha stepped up to take the penalty kick.

Seasoned under AmeriCup pressure, her cup-winning goal against Colombia in 2022 mirrors the trajectory of Sunday’s kick. With a calm approach, Debinha rockets the ball into the lower left corner, sliding past the goalkeeper with practiced ease.

As she heads out to compete with Brazil in the World Cup, she said she is hopeful for the team’s success.

"I think we just need to stand high and keeping scoring goals and winning which is going to build us more confidence to get up in the standings."

Written by: Jenna Weyforth