# NWSL playoffs: Cooper’s extra-time penalty sends Kansas City through as Utah stun San Diego

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nwsl-playoffs-coopers-extra-time-penalty-sends-kansas-city-through-as-utah-stun-san-diego/
- Published: 2026-11-07T20:40:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T21:03:52+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/07/nwsl-playoffs-kansas-city-current-angel-city-utah-royals-san-diego-wave
- Topics: Football, Sport

## Key points

- Cooper’s extra-time penalty put Kansas City through.
- Utah beat San Diego 1-0 for its first playoff win.
- The semi-final match-ups depend on the remaining quarter-finals.

## Summary

Kansas City and Utah advanced to the NWSL semi-finals with contrasting 1-0 quarter-final wins. Michelle Cooper’s extra-time penalty sent the fourth-seeded Current past Angel City, while seventh-seeded Utah Royals upset second-seeded San Diego Wave, marking Utah’s first playoff victory.

Cooper scored four minutes into extra time after Kayla Sharples went down following contact near goal; Kansas City extended its unbeaten home record. Utah’s Kiana Palacios scored in the 30th minute from a Cloé Lacasse cross, and goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn made four saves. San Diego had more possession, shots and shots on target, but could not score; Utah will face Washington or Portland, while Kansas City meets Gotham or Seattle.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.