March 3, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Kansas City Current closed out the Florida portion of preseason training with a friendly against the Houston Dash. A complete team effort saw the club finish the match with a 2-1 victory. Alexa Spaanstra and Alex Pfeiffer each worked through the opposing defenses to provide assists on a pair of Temwa Chawinga goals.
“It’s just a good way to wrap up the preseason in Florida,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “Great competition and tough game for us, but very proud of the players that they competed well and showed some of the stuff that we’ve worked on. They showed well against a good opponent.”
A veteran-heavy lineup started the match with only a pair of rookies, Claire Hutton and Ellie Wheeler, cracking the starting eleven. Both youngsters earned some valuable time as they adjust to the professional level.
“Playing against an NWSL opponent has been something I have dreamed to do my entire life and having the chance to finally do it today did not disappoint,” said Hutton. “Today proved to me the speed of play and physicality and showed me that this league is no joke. I am ecstatic for March 16th to come and to open the season on our front foot!!”
An even first half saw the teams head to the halftime break tied at 0-0. Each team had their chances, with the Current finding several good chances towards goal. Goalkeeper AD Franch was in midseason form as she made a clutch save on a close shot in the 22nd minute of the half.
The second half opened with the Current on the front foot as the team applied high pressure to their opponent’s back line. The pressure worked as midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo was able to win a ball around midfield and send a pass up the line where fellow midfielder Bayley Feist was able to run on and send a one-touch cross into the middle of the penalty box.
A host of Current attackers were ready for Feist’s pass and tapped the ball to forward Kristen Hamilton, who was able to hit a shot in stride. Although that shot went over the crossbar, it previewed the club’s attacking prowess that was on display throughout the second half.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Pfeiffer and second-year forward Alexa Spaanstra entered the game in the 60th minute and immediately got to work.
Ten minutes after entering the match, Pfeiffer moved wide and found an open spot where she could receive a pass from her defender. Taking two touches towards goal she…