Kansas City NWSL will take to the road at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, to face the Chicago Red Stars for the second time in the regular season and third time overall.
The match will be streamed worldwide exclusively on Twitch. The teams last played May 26 at Legends Field to open Kansas City’s regular season home schedule. KC also visited Chicago on April 21 for the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Kansas City enters the match following its second straight win at home, a 2-1 victory over Racing Louisville. Kansas City dominated the game statistically, with 14 shots (seven on target) to Louisville’s six (two on target).
Kristen Hamilton enjoyed her most active game since joining Kansas City’s roster. In the 17th minute, the veteran forward sent a cross into the box that was deflected into the net from a Louisville defender. She then put one away herself in the 40th minute on a through ball from a teammate, Hailie Mace.
Louisville was able to scratch one back in the 65th minute after Nadia Nadim slipped Overland Park, Kansas, native, CeCe Kizer in for a finish. However, Kansas City was able to hold out the final minutes of the game to preserve the 2-1 victory and collect the three points at home.
The Chicago Red Stars rank seventh in the NWSL standings with an overall record of 6-7-3 and 21 points. The last match they played was on Aug. 18 versus Racing Louisville, where they played to a 1-1 draw. The equalizing goal for Chicago came in the 60th minute from Kaelia Watt, who currently has two goals and one assist for the Red Stars.
Kristen Hamilton makes her 100th NWSL appearance
Hamilton has been a difference-maker since she put on the No. 25 jersey for Kansas City. She has played and started in all six games and recently scored her first goal for the club on the night of her 100th NWSL appearance versus Racing Louisville. She also created an “own goal” in the 17th minute of play when she sent a cross into the box and the ball hit off a Louisville defender and into the goal.
Since Hamilton’s arrival in Kansas City the team has earned two wins and a draw and shown greatly improved offensive pressure.
Hamilton currently ranks in the top 10 of the NWSL after her 100th appearance on Wednesday night. Her overall stats include 17 goals, 10 assists, and 4,549 minutes played.
“I had no idea (about her 100th appearance),” Hamilton said. “What is special to me is just being around the league for so long and seeing the growth that has already come and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.”
Adrianna Franch collects her first start and win
Since arriving at Kansas City just last week, Franch is already getting comfortable in her home state of Kansas. She made her first appearance for her new team on Wednesday night, collecting a save and her fist win for Kansas City.
“You take the wins, and you look at what was successful in the field. Can you mimic that depending on who your opponent is trying to make sure that you have the principles that are within that structure, and then you kind of go from there and then recognize that?” Franch said.
“On the road, you don’t have your fans or your support system with you. Yeah, they’re in your heart, but your support system is the person to your left, right in front of you, behind you, players on the bench, and everything like that so we must tap into that a little bit more and dig a little deeper for one another on the road. Because on the road is always tough, doesn’t matter what team you play.”
Players to watch
Kansas City: Midfielder Addie McCain – One of Kansas City’s three second-round draft picks in 2021, McCain has become a mainstay in the midfield for head coach Huw Williams. She has started in six matches this season, including the past three.
“She has done a great job for us this season and is ahead of where we thought she would be, coming in as a rookie,” Williams said. “We have certain attacking pressure situations and Addie starts those for our team. We’re very happy with how she plays.”
Chicago Red Stars: Forward Kaelia Watt – The Red Stars forward has been a workhorse at the forward position this season while contributing two goals and one assist thus far. She currently ranks fourth in the NWSL with 20 shots on goal and has 37 shots in total.
Last time out, Kaelia Watt and fellow teammate Mallory Pugh were the difference makers when they were subbed into the game in the 60th minute. Pugh found Watt seven minutes after they joined the match to find the game-winning goal for Chicago.
