July 29, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – Following a weeklong break, the Kansas City Current (5-4-3, 18 pts., T-4th place) return to action at Children’s Mercy Park against the Orlando Pride (3-5-4, 13 pts., 8th place) Sunday, July 31 at 6 p.m. CT. The match will be streamed nationally on Paramount+ and broadcast locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB.
The Kansas City Current bring a seven-match unbeaten streak into Sunday’s match against the Pride, with the most recent positive result a 1-0 win over OL Reign July 17. In a match that featured 36 combined shots, the Current were able to find a breakthrough in the 18th minute when midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta drilled a penalty kick into the top corner of the goal after a foul won by midfielder Victoria Pickett in the goal box. Goalkeeper AD Franch recorded five saves in the win, including a diving save to her left on Reign forward Kim Little that earned her a second-straight Save of the Week award.
Orlando also brings an unbeaten streak into this match. The Pride are sitting on three games without a loss after earning a positive result in its most recent match. The Pride turned in a stout defensive performance in a 0-0 road draw with the Washington Spirit July 17. Orlando weathered 17 total shots from Washington, spurred on by five saves from goalkeeper Erin McLeod.
CURRENT RISING UP NWSL TABLE
Kansas City’s ongoing unbeaten streak has taken the club to previously unforeseen heights. The Current’s win over OL Reign improved the team’s point total to 18, which marks the highest single season point total in franchise history. The Current is tied in points for fourth place in the NWSL table, the club’s highest-ever place in the league’s standings.
The unbeaten streak has been met with impressive on-field play. Since May 27, Kansas City ranks first in the NWSL in total points (17), wins (5) and winning percentage (.857). Defensively, the Current are tied for first place in the NWSL for fewest goals allowed (5) and most shutout victories recorded (4). Kansas City’s four shutouts in its last seven matches include two in row, and the team hasn’t conceded since its July 1 win over the Houston Dash.
FRANCH GOES BACK-TO-BACK
Franch has been an integral piece of the Current’s unbeaten streak, and one of her saves against OL Reign stood above the rest. In the 22nd minute, Reign midfielder Kim Little received a through ball from fellow midfielder Jess Fishlock on a…