Match Preview: Kansas City Current hosts Angel City at CPKC Stadium

The Kansas City Current (2-0-0, 6pts.) return home to CPKC Stadium Saturday, March 30 to face off against Angel City FC (0-1-1, 1pt.). Fans unable to make it to the match can watch live on ESPN, ESPN+ with Jenn Hildreth and Lianne Sanderson on the call. Radio listeners can tune in to 90.9 the Bridge or on the KC Current app to hear Dave Borchardt and Jillian Carroll Letrinko with all the action.

The Current are one of only two teams to head into the week without a blemish on their record. After two matches, the team has two wins and six points. Dating back to the 2023 regular season, the Current is now undefeated in the past four games, with 3 wins and only one draw in that span.

Last week the Current earned a victory on the road against the defending NWSL Shield winning San Diego Wave. After falling behind 1-0 early in the match, the team calmly weathered the storm of attackers and settled the match into a manageable affair. Defender Izzy Rodriguez, making her first start of the season, equalized the match just before halftime with a one-touch turning shot that arched over the San Diego goalkeeper’s diving reach.

Forward Bia Zaneratto, who consistently found ways to get around and behind the San Diego defense, was tripped in the penalty box midway through the second half and earned a penalty kick for her efforts. Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta calmly walked to the spot, then as San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan dove to her right, LaBonta drove her shot down the middle for the game-winning goal.

Angel City drew against the Orlando Pride last week. After a tough first-half battle, Angel City midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard drew a penalty early in the second half. Forward Claire Emslie scored from the penalty spot to put the visiting Angel City in the lead. However, all-world Orlando forward Marta was left alone on the backside of a corner kick. Receiving the cross, Marta hit a volley into the near post and tied the game.

Angel City swept the series in 2023 after these two teams split their matches in 2022.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas City Current defender Izzy Rodriguez – Rodriguez is entering her third year with the Current after a career-best 2023 season. She started 17 of 18 matches she played in last year and scored three goals and two assists. Known for her pinpoint-accuracy off her crosses, Rodriguez used her golden left foot last week to turn and shoot an arching shot over San Diego’s goalkeeper and bring the team level after falling behind early in the match. She then held down the fort late in the match as the Wave sent everyone on the attack, looking for their own equalizer.

Angel City forward Claire Emslie – Emslie returned to the NWSL in 2022 to play for Angel City and has been one of their most consistent forwards since that time. She started 17 matches last season and scored three goals. Thus far in 2024 she has Angel City’s only goal in two matches, coming off a penalty in the second half last week against Orlando.

SPREADING THE WEALTH 
Kansas City’s inaugural season, under the temporary name of KC NWSL, the club scored 15 goals with three wins. In two games this season, the club already has already tallied two wins and seven goals. Prior to this season the team hadn’t seen a pair of wins, nor seven goals until the fifth match of the season.

More impressive, the seven goals in 2024 have been scored by seven different players, underscoring the depth head coach Vlatko Andonovski has put together this season. The diversity in scoring has been impressive as well. Veterans, rookies, defenders, midfielders and forwards have all contributed to the Current’s league leading scoring tally.  

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR
Kansas City has brought in plenty of international experience this season. The roster boasts nine players who have played for their respective national teams in the past two years. Another two, Claire Hutton and Alex Pfeiffer, have starred for the U.S. National teams at the youth levels.

Next week, the NWSL will take a break for the dedicated FIFA International window, allowing national teams across the globe to schedule tournaments, friendlies and qualifying matches. Kansas City will be represented with three players competing for their home country.

Canada’s Desiree Scott will return to international action with Canada after missing the past year with an injury. She will face off against Brazil and teammate Lauren to open the SheBelieves Cup April 5. Depending on that result, they will each face off against the U.S. or Japan April 9.

Stine Ballisager Pedersen will head to Czechoslovakia April 5 then home to Denmark April 9 to help the Danes quest for qualification in for the UEFA Euro Championship in 2025.

ROSTER MOVE
Ahead of Saturday’s match and the international break that follows, the Kansas City Current have activated midfielder Desiree Scott from the Season Ending Injury list. After missing the 2023 season due to injury, Scott will now be available for selection at Saturday’s match.