Category: KC Current

Allison Howard, who previously served as an executive with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been named president of the Kansas City Current.

She will oversee all business operations, reporting directly to ownership, according to the announcement.

Howard served as vice president of corporate partnerships for the past five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, where she had a 10-year career, according to a KC Current news release. She closed Lakers’ partnerships and led the organization’s corporate partnership strategy, that surpassed $250 million in revenue.

“We are thrilled to welcome Allison to lead our front office and the overall business,” KC Current co-owner Angie Long said in the news release. “Her drive, ambition and history of success in the NBA and in corporate America is an incredible asset on our path to becoming the best women’s soccer club in the world.”

Before working for the Lakers, Howard was vice president of Premier Partnerships, where she sold and managed naming rights partnerships throughout the country.

Howard was named a “Woman of Inspiration” by WISE LA (Women in Sports and Events, Los Angeles), and served on the WISE LA board for 10 years.

“Allison is a phenomenal addition to the Current,” KC Current co-owner Chris Long said. “We embarked on a considerable talent search to find a leader who matched our passion for this team, could lead our culture, had a big vision and could continue the momentum elevating this sport and our city. Allison is that exact person, and I know she will build a great experience for players, partners, and fans.”

Howard begins her role with the team immediately as the club continues its 2022 NWSL regular season campaign. Season tickets and flex plans are available for all home matches at Children’s Mercy Park. For ticket information visit KansasCityCurrent.com.

The short-handed KC Current fell 1-0 to Angel City FC in the second of three matches on the road Saturday.

The Current, without head coach Matt Potter and four players due to COVID protocol, held the match scoreless until an unlucky own goal from Taylor Leach gave Los Angeles the lead in the 70th minute.

“So, so proud of the players and how they responded,” said acting head coach Lloyd Yaxley. “I felt like everyone that was a part of this organization this week gave their all for the cause.”

Rookie Alex Loera had Kansas City’s best chance of the night off a free kick from the edge of the penalty box. Her rocket toward the top left corner forced a sprawling save from goalkeeper Didi Haracic.

Kansas City goalkeeper A.D. Franch had an outstanding night with four saves against the high-pressure attack from Angel City. In the 31st minute, Los Angeles forward Simone Charley charged past the defensive line to find herself alone against Franch. The goalkeeper came up big at the near post with a kick save to keep the match level.

Franch came up big again in the 78th minute, when an Angel City corner kick found Vanessa Gilles at the penalty spot. A quick diving save from Franch prevented a second Los Angeles goal.

COVID replacement player Jada Talley made her NWSL debut in the 84th minute. Talley was selected by the Orlando Pride with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. After playing at Arizona University from 2017 to 2020, the Corona, California, native played her final season at the University of Southern California.

The Current finishes its road stretch against OL Reign May 25. The next home match is May 30 against Racing Louisville FC. Season Tickets and flex plans are available for all home matches at Children’s Mercy Park. For pricing and information visit kansascitycurrent.com.

• Story from KC Current

The Kansas City Current team travels to southern California for its first test against expansion Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21.

Remaining on the road for the second of three away matches in May, the Current will face the new expansion team, which is third in the National Women’s Soccer League, with a 2-1 record. The match will stream exclusively on Twitch.

The Current are 0-2 on the season, with one draw, and are in 11th place.

Kansas City earned its first point of the season against the Orlando Pride last week with a 2-2 draw. The team fell behind early in the second half before scoring two goals to take the lead.

Rookie forward Elyse Bennett scored her first professional goal in the 78th minute and then provided an assist to Kristen Hamilton on her goal one minute into added time as the Current took a 2-1 lead. However, a penalty called in the fifth minute of added time allowed the Pride to equalize and split the points.

Angel City earned a 1-0 win against the Washington Spirit last week. Forward Christen Press scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute of action. Both teams had several chances, but Angel City was able to hold off the Spirit and preserve the win.

Recognition

The Current’s efforts last week were noticed across the league. Elyse Bennett, who played the final 28 minutes of the match, tallied a goal and an assist and earned a nomination for the NWSL Player of the Week. She was previously nominated and won the award during the Challenge Cup.

Goalkeeper A.D. Franch also earned league-recognition this week as she was nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week. Late in the match, as the Current was holding on to the lead, Pride forward Kylie Strom found a small shooting lane at the top of the penalty area and launched a shot towards the net. A leaping save from Franch denied the goal and sent the ball over the cross bar. This is her second nomination in 2022, after being nominated once already in the Challenge Cup.

Expansion

This match features two of the four expansion teams from the past two seasons. Kansas City built its expansion team in less than 200 days for its 2021 start while Angel City had over a year to prepare for its 2022 debut.

Both sides struggled through their initial Challenge Cup tournaments, but Kansas City improved greatly with this year’s tournament, going from the bottom of the table to the top of the Central Division and a berth in the tournament semi-finals.

COVID concerns

Head coach Matt Potter did not travel with the team due to a positive COVID test. Assistant coach Lloyd Yaxley will direct the team on the pitch Saturday. In addition, four players will sit out the match due to COVID protocols. Per a new rule announced by the NWSL on May 13, the team will be signing replacement players to the roster for the match.

Players to watch

Kansas City Current defender Jenna Winebrenner – Winebrenner is a member of the Current’s impressive rookie class for 2022. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NWSL Draft, Winebrenner has played in every match of the Challenge Cup and regular season this year, starting all but one. She led all rookies with 30 clearances in the Challenge Cup.

Angel City forward Christen Press – A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Christen Press is the focal point for Angel City. She leads the team with three goals scored across all competitions and provided the game-winning score against the Washington Spirit last week.

• Information from KC Current