June 17, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – Two of the NWSL’s most in-form clubs square off Saturday night when the Kansas City Current host the Chicago Red Stars. The final contest of the Current’s four-game homestand kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed nationally on Paramount+.
Kansas City extended its unbeaten streak to three matches in thrilling fashion Saturday against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Defender Izzy Rodriguez, mere moments after coming on as a substitute in the waning moments of the second half, made a driving run down the left side and angled the ball to forward Kristen Hamilton at the top of the penalty box. Hamilton slotted the ball home in the 84th minute, giving Kansas City the 1-0 victory.
Chicago brings a six-match unbeaten streak to Children’s Mercy Park and hasn’t lost a match since May 15. The Red Stars’ most recent triumph came Sunday in a 1-0 victory over the Orlando Pride. Chicago forward Mallory Pugh provided the game’s lone goal in the 10th minute courtesy of a beautiful long-range strike.
HOMECOMING SUCCESS
The Current’s win over Gotham FC featured the debuts of recent trade acquisitions and Kansas City metro natives forward Cece Kizer and defender Addisyn Merrick. Both were acquired via trade June 9 from Racing Louisville FC and saw significant action with their new club about 48 hours later.
Kizer started Saturday’s match and played 61 minutes. The former Blue Valley Northwest standout looked sharp, attacking Gotham’s defense on both the right and left sides. She nearly capped a spectacular individual run with a goal in the 58th minute. Dribbling through the penalty box, she found herself with an open look at goal. Kizer was able to get a shot off, but it was deflected away from danger at the last moment.
Merrick was brought on in the 61st minute for midfielder Victoria Pickett. The former University of Kansas product helped hold down the center of the park for the final third of the match, and helped the Current protect its one-goal advantage down the stretch.
ANCHORED IN DEFENSE
The Current’s two victories over the recent homestand have come via 1-0 shutouts, with both performances featuring a combination of stellar defending and excellent goalkeeping.
This was evident in Saturday night’s victory. Gotham FC had 16 total shots, but just four on goal. Kansas City’s defense made necessary interventions when Gotham worked the ball inside the penalty box, forced a…