Looks like something’s in the air surrounding the NWSL, and by something, we mean unfortunate injuries. Just last week, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was forced to leave the pitch in tears during the CONCACAF W Champions Cup after suffering a knee injury. Now, earlier today, yet another heartbreaking scene unfolded as the NWSL Golden Boot leader, Temwa Chawinga, also left the pitch in distress.

The KC Current forward featured in the Matchday 25 clash against the Houston Dash on Saturday. However, just minutes before the half-hour mark, Chawinga began showing signs of concern. Around the 25th minute, during a throw-in situation, the Malawian forward was positioned on the opposite side of the pitch, far from the action. Before play could resume, she suddenly went down, catching the referee’s attention and prompting an immediate stoppage.

By the time a few of her teammates and rival players came to check on her, the situation already alarmed the KC Current’s medical staff, quickly rushed in to assess their star player. For several minutes, the medical team kept applying pressure around Chawinga’s knee area while simultaneously communicating with other staff members, as the talented winger appeared to be in visible discomfort.

In order to be thorough with Temwa Chawinga’s situation, the medical staff continued conversing with the former Wuhan Jianghan star, essentially asking whether she could continue in the game or not. However, as the cameras panned toward the injured star, she seemed to subtly deny that possibility, indicating that there was no way she could continue. In the end, the NWSL’s top scorer was lifted up, with teammate Izzy Rodriguez lending support and helping Chawinga walk off the pitch toward the bench.

But sadly, that wasn’t adequate. The medical staff, who had rushed in to attend to her, also offered physical support by placing their hands on her shoulders, making it evident that the injured star wasn’t even attempting to walk on her own. She was almost completely off the ground, shifting her entire body weight onto Rodriguez and the medical team. Meanwhile, the rest of the KC Current players came over to pat Temwa on the back, wishing her well.

At one point, forward Beatriz Zaneratto João was even seen taking the medical kit from one of the female staff members, allowing her to fully focus on lifting Chawinga alongside Rodriguez, until another male staff member arrived to help carry the forward off the field. By then, the fourth official had already raised his substitution board, signaling Chawinga’s exit, with Nichelle Prince coming off the bench as her replacement.

While it was expected that Chawinga would sit on the bench for temporary treatment, she was later seen in a wheelchair, being escorted toward the Shell Energy Stadium exits, suggesting that she required further attention from a hospital. Be that as it may, this is indeed quite a heartbreaking development not just for KC Current but also for Temwa Chawinga, who was eyeing a major NWSL feat before the regular season would end the next matchday.

The NWSL Golden Boot and Playoffs races face a fresh twist in the tale

Temwa Chawinga is currently leading the NWSL top scorer charts, thanks to an emphatic tally of 15 goals in 23 games. Behind her is Gotham FC’s Esther Gonzales, trailing with a difference of just two, followed by Emma Sears with 10 goals. Though Chawinga is still ahead, her impeccable lead certainly faces a cloud of uncertainty, especially after the 27-year-old ended up sustaining an unfortunate injury.

When it rains, it pours. Sadly, the absence of Temwa Chawinga saw KC Current fail to secure an away victory, as the Houston Dash managed to edge out a narrow win to claim the crucial three points, courtesy of forward Ryan Gareis. Though the defeat might dent the Current’s overall season tally, they still remain worthy NWSL Shield champions, maintaining their lead at the top of the table with 62 points.

The final matchday will see them face the San Diego Wave. But beyond their on-field display, fans are more eager to hear an injury update on Temwa Chawinga. Let’s hope it’s not too serious for the potential NWSL Golden Boot winner, and that she’s back before the playoffs kick off — because Vlatko Andonovski and company certainly wouldn’t want to start without her.