April 14, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City Current return to action this weekend with a trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Red Stars Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m. CT. After a week off, Saturday’s match will be the first of three in eight days for Kansas City.
Two weeks ago, the Current opened the club’s home schedule in front of a record-breaking 11,301 fans at Children’s Mercy Park. Although the result was not what the club wanted with a 4-1 defeat, there were several positives to take from the match. Midfielder Cece Kizer found the net as she looks to improve on her team-leading seven goals scored in 2022. Midfielder Debinha, who was injured with Brazil during the SheBelieves Cup in February, returned to play and saw 20 effective minutes.
Chicago took advantage of the off week from the NWSL to play a friendly against the Mexico Women’s National Team April 8. Although they lost 5-2, the team was able to get valuable game minutes for several players who made their Red Stars debut, including Julia Bianchi who scored off a corner kick. The Red Stars’ also fell in their last NWSL action, losing 2-1, with their lone score coming off a Houston own goal.
Saturday’s match will stream live on Paramount+. In addition, Dave Borchardt and Jillian Carroll Letrinko will bring fans all the action from KC Current Radio on the Kansas City Current app, available on Apple and Android devices.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas City Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo – DiBernardo is set to possibly make her Kansas City Current debut Saturday against her old club, the Red Stars. Originally selected by Chicago in the 2014 NWSL Draft, DiBernardo will be returning to city where she set club records for Minutes Played (12,465), Games Played (155) and Assists (22).
Chicago Red Stars forward Yuki Nagasato – With the loss of forward Mallory Swanson to injury, Yuki Nagasoto has the opportunity to lead the Red Stars throughout the rest of the regular season. She ranks second on the club this season in shots and shooting accuracy. In 2022 she was in the top five for goals, assists, shots and shooting accuracy for her team.
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF INAUGURAL NWSL MATCH
This week saw the 10th anniversary of the NWSL’s inaugural match. The most successful professional women’s soccer league in the world kicked off from Shawnee Mission District Stadium on April 13, 2013 as FC Kansas City hosted the Portland Thorns….