KC Current are looking to build on strong start. They face tall task Friday in Chicago
Kansas City Current players and staff frequently outline aspirations of being a highly competitive soccer franchise. Accordingly, tests like the one presented by Friday’s opponent provide a measuring stick, a gauge of how close they are to that goal.
The Current got off to a good start last Friday with a 1-1 road draw against Racing Louisville FC. While the match ended in a tie, KC showed at least one clear sign of superiority: They were dominant in possession and kept Louisville’s attacks to a minimum.
“First and foremost, I think the game against Racing showed and spoke to our potential,” coach Matt Potter said. “It’s a starting point, and that’s how we took it this week.
With two shots hitting the post and a goal-line clearance late, the Current certainly had an opportunity to take all three points on the road. They felt a little disappointed they didn’t come away with a win.
But captain Desiree Scott said that’s a good thing.
“I love that we have that sort of feeling after a match, not being happy with just the tie,” she said. “I think we have a very aggressive attacking line and I think we created quite a few chances and could have put a few away. So I like that we are disappointed at only (getting) one point.”
The Current have a chance to gain three in the Windy City Friday, as they take on the Chicago Red Stars. The match against last year’s National Women’s Soccer League runners-up kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Central.
The Red Stars have pedigree, having made the NWSL playoffs annually since 2019. They’ve actually finished second in the league the last two full regular seasons, and during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, they were a finalist for the Challenge Cup.
“I think their talent is there for everybody to see,” Potter said, “whether you start from the back all the way to the front line.”
Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher emerged as a star at the 2019 World Cup, and they also have U.S. Women’s National Team experience in Mallory Pugh, Morgan Gautraut and Tierna Davidson. Yuki Nagasato has played with the Japanese national team.
The Red Stars have played a rather unusual 3-4-3 formation since the latter part of last season. The tactic helped propel them into the NWSL final.
But Potter also sees some similarities in how Chicago and the Current play. Friday night’s showdown could go to the team that imposes its will most effectively.
“In many ways, they’re trying to do exactly what we’re trying to do, which is take the game to the opponent and imprint themselves and get their quality players in the right places at the right time and cause other teams problems,” Potter said. “Nothing different to us.”
In a couple of injury updates of note, the Current will be without star forward Lynn Williams Friday night. She sustained an ankle injury in Louisville. And midfielder Victoria Pickett is out with a concussion.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 7:25 PM with the headline "KC Current are looking to build on strong start. They face tall task Friday in Chicago."