by Brian Turrel
Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton broke open a scoreless tie against NJ-NY Gotham FC in the 84th minute to earn a 1-0 win for the home team in Saturday evening’s match at Children’s Mercy Park.
Defender Izzy Rodriguez, on as a substitute just two minutes prior, made a push up the left wing and then fed the ball back to Hamilton who was unmarked and charging up the middle. Hamilton drilled a one-touch left-footed shot into the lower right corner of the goal from about 15 yards out.
The game marked a homecoming for Overland Park native CeCe Kizer. Acquired by the Current in a trade last week with Racing Louisville, Kizer debuted in the starting lineup and played 60 minutes.
Kizer’s speed at the top of Kansas City’s formation opened up a new dimension for the offense and paired well with Hamilton. A well-executed build-up in the first half among Kizer, Hamilton, Kate Del Fava and Lo’eau LaBonta produced a great scoring opportunity.
Defender Addisyn Merrick, of Lee’s Summit, was also acquired in the Louisville trade and came on as a substitute in the 61st minute.
Reserve goalkeeper Cassie Miller started for the the Current, and registered three saves, including a great fingertip save that deflected Paige Monaghan’s shot onto the post in the 43rd minute.
After losing four of its first five matches, the Current has now won two of the last three. Kansas City will be back on the Children’s Mercy Park pitch next Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars.
