The Kansas City Current opened the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC Friday night.
Overland Park, Kansas native Cece Kizer opened the scoring for Louisville in the 20th minute, but midfielder Addie McCain scored her first career goal in the 78th minute to equalize the match at 1-1.
In Kansas City’s first match under the direction of head coach Matt Potter, the Current opening lineup featured seven players who were not on the team’s roster to begin the 2021 season, including rookies Alex Loera and Jenna Winebrenner at center back.
“Jenna and Alex have done nothing but stand tall and be accountable for their performance. They showed that they belong on this stage,” Potter said. “The way they went about handling what I believe is one of the best players in this league, in terms of their forward, Jess McDonald. I thought that they handled it very well for a first outing in Challenge Cup.”
Along with defenders Hailie Mace and Kristen Edmonds, the rookie pairing were able to keep Louisville at bay for most of the game. However, against the run of play, Racing’s Kizer was able to sneak past the Kansas City back line and distribute a pass to McDonald on the right side and then find her way to receive a near immediate return pass and score.
Kizer’s shot was one of only two that the Current allowed on the night as the defense clamped down any additional chances from Louisville. The Current were able to hold the possession advantage for the entire game as Potter encouraged his team to remain on the attack.
McCain entered the match as a second half substitute for midfielder Sam Mewis. She wasted no time in making her mark on the match. Within moments of Louisville taking the kickoff, McCain could be found tracking down the ball and winning it back for her side.
In the 78th minute, McCain and teammate Lynn Williams pressured Racing’s backline, forcing a bad touch that Williams was able to steal away and pass to an open McCain. The second-year midfielder found the right corner of the goal and knotted the game at 1-1.
Williams exited the match shortly after that with an injury to her leg. With Kansas City having already used its allotted substitutions, the team was forced to play the final 10 minutes of the match with only 10 players.
Potter did not allow his team to panic as he directed his team to keep on the attack. McCain nearly netted her second goal in the 83rd minute, but a Louisville defender was able to just save the ball from crossing the line.
Kansas City remains on the road next week as the team travels to face the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25.
The first home match of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas.
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 Kansas City Current