Category: Kansas City NWSL

Kansas City NWSL returns to Legends Field on Sunday, Oct. 10, looking for its fifth straight positive result at home.

Kansas City faces the first place Portland Thorns for the third time this season, but only the first time at home.

Kansas City last played Sept. 26 against the Washington Spirit, scoring in the seventh minute of play. Darian Jenkins received a pass from Victoria Pickett, cut the ball across the top of the box and rocketed a near-post shot for the score.

Although Kansas City led the majority of the first half, Washington scored on a penalty kick, and again 11 seconds into the second half to hold the 2-1 lead the rest of the game.

Portland suffered a 3-2 loss at home this past Wednesday night against the Houston Dash. Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair both had goals in the loss, with Lindsey Horan providing both assists. Portland dominated the shots category with 26 compared to Houston’s 12, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to Houston’s three goals.

Kansas City NWSL announces partner

Kansas City NWSL announced a multi-year partnership with Saint Luke’s Health System on Sept. 28. For the remainder of the 2021 season, Saint Luke’s will be featured on the back of the team’s kit. Beginning with the 2022 NWSL season, Saint Luke’s will appear on the front of KC NWSL’s home and away kits, as well as all jerseys available to fans.

“From day one, we’ve known we wanted a medical partner who shares both our relentless commitment to excellent clinical care and high performance for our athletes, and our connection to the community,” said team co-founder and co-owner Angie Long, “Saint Luke’s is the perfect fit and we’re excited to begin collaborating.”

Four home matches in October

Kansas City NWSL plays its final four home matches this month. Following Sunday’s match against Portland, the team plays on Wednesday Oct. 13, vs. the Houston Dash, Friday Oct. 22, against NJ-NY Gotham, and the final match of the season Oct. 30 against OL Reign.
Tickets are available for all four matches at KCWoSo.com.

Long named to NWSL executive committee

The National Women’s Soccer League’s board of governors announced on Oct. 3 the formation of an executive committee to manage oversight of the league’s front office operations, following the resignation of its commissioner. The committee includes Amanda Duffy (Orlando Pride), Angie Long (Kansas City NWSL), and Sophie Sauvage (OL Reign). A global search for a permanent commissioner is underway.

“Angie brings passion towards the soccer community and the league as a whole,” said head coach Huw Williams. “The determination that she has to make this the best league in the world and make it the best environment in the world as well. We’ve seen it first-hand with the changes that have happened in within our club, that we’re playing here (Children’s Mercy Park) next year. It’s one of the best stadiums in the world. She and Chris are building a practice facility for us. So, there is commitment there already, and that commitment can spread throughout the whole league.”

Players to watch

Kansas City: Midfielder Desiree Scott – The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist has been back in full force since returning to Kansas City, bringing her winning momentum back onto the NWSL pitch. Scott appeared in her 100th NWSL match on Sept. 5 at home versus the North Carolina Courage and will be honored at the game this Sunday for her milestone.

Portland Thorns: Forward Sophia Smith – The 21-year-old streaky forward has been the answer to Portland’s offense this season, leading the way with seven goals and one assist. She played in 17 matches for a total of 1,147 minutes, starting in 12. She also ranks first in the league in shots (77) and shots on goal (32).

• Story from KC NWSL

Kansas City NWSL’s home match that was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Legends Field against the Houston Dash has been postponed along with all other NWSL matches this weekend.

The entire NWSL is taking the weekend off from matches, to “give everyone some space to reflect,” stated NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. The action was taken in the wake of allegations of sexual coercion involving the North Carolina Courage coach.

KC NWSL ownership’s statement, from Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Mathews:

“Our players must come first. We are committed to leading by example not just to make the team better, but to make our league better. We are striving to set the standard with player-first actions, but there is still hard work to do to create the culture and league our players deserve.

“In light of the reporting done by The Athletic on Paul Riley, who has since been fired by the North Carolina Courage, and the systemic issues that need to be addressed, our immediate focus is on providing any support our players need, and ensuring we have player-first processes and policies. Stepping away from matches this weekend is the right thing to do for our players and our staff.”

The statement from NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird:

“This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played. I am so sorry for the pain so many are feeling. Recognizing that trauma, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone some space to reflect. Business as usual isn’t our concern right now. Our entire league has a great deal of healing to do, and our players deserve so much better. We have made this decision in collaboration with our players association and this pause will be the first step as we collectively work to transform the culture of this league, something that is long overdue.”

The NWSL announced Friday night that it has received and accepted Lisa Baird’s resignation as its commissioner.