February 23, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Kansas City Current fell 2-0 to the Orlando Pride in the team’s first preseason match of the year. Six of the Current’s eight 2023 draft picks were featured in the first match, including newly-signed forwards Michelle Cooper and Alexa Spaanstra.
“I think for us to get playing time for six out of the eight [draft picks] that have joined us was exciting to see them represent the crest and Kansas City Current for the first time, so that’s always encouraging,” said head coach Matt Potter. “Again, I think where we’re at and what we’re trying to accomplish – anytime we don’t finish on the right side of the scoresheet, that’s not going to sit well. So, we just go back and start working again.”
The action started early when Orlando’s Messiah Bright found herself on a breakaway in the first minute after a giveaway in midfield. Bright centered the pass to find Julie Doyle whose shot slipped past Kansas City Current draft pick Jordan Silkowitz to put the Pride up early.
Kansas City pressed high and created several chances throughout the first half. In the eighth minute, newly signed forward Mimmi Larsson cut around two defenders in the box to launch a powerful shot, forcing a quick save off the fingertips of Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
Just before halftime, Hailie Mace charged down the left side of the entire field and laid off a perfectly placed cross to the center of the box. Forward Cece Kizer pounced on the ball, but her shot fell directly to Moorhouse.
The second half started off with a bang, with a long run from Kate del Fava down the right side to slide a beautiful ball in for Larsson, who was caught between two defenders. The Swede’s shot was scooped up by substitute Carly Nelson.
Bright nearly added a second to her tally when she found herself solo against the goalkeeper in the 56th minute. Defender Jenna Winebrenner made a huge sliding tackle to force the ball to safety for Kansas City.
In the 61st minute, Kansas City’s two newly signed draft picks, Michelle Cooper and Alexa Spaanstra, entered the match. Cooper quickly made an impact with an aggressive, curving run through the midfield that led to a sailing shot from the top of the box just seconds after entering the game.
Just two minutes later, Orlando doubled their lead with another ball slid just past the Kansas City defense. Forward Ally Watt poked the ball to the far corner, sliding…