Kansas City Current play the first match of the NWSL Challenge Cup against Racing Louisville FC at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18. The game will stream on Paramount+.
The Current look to build upon the momentum generated by the seven-game unbeaten streak at home that closed the 2021 NWSL season. The team is undefeated in the preseason, with a 6-0 win against the Washington Spirit that featured six different goal scorers, and a 0-0 tie against the Orlando Pride.
Racing Louisville FC also enters their second season with several new acquisitions, including head coach Kim Björkegren, who joined the team in December.
Forward Jess McDonald signed with the team in an offseason trade with the North Carolina Courage, where she won three NWSL Championships. Draft pick Jaelin Howell joins the midfield alongside veteran Lauren Milliet, who started in 19 games and played in all 24 matches for Louisville last season.
Last meeting
The last match between the Current and Racing Louisville took place in Kansas City, Kansas, in August, where Kristen Hamilton scored the game winner for the home team in her 100th match.
The Current took home three points with a 2-1. Hamilton scored the winning goal – her second of the night – late in the first half. The overall season series is tied at 1-1-1.
New acquisitions
The Kansas City Current added eight players to the roster in the offseason, including U.S. National Team members Samantha Mewis and Lynn Williams, who both joined the team from the North Carolina Courage. Mewis holds a World Cup Championship, a NCAA Championship and a FA Cup Championship, along with numerous individual accolades.
Mewis and Williams join KC Current teammates Kristen Hamilton and Adrianna Franch in the feat of winning three previous NWSL championships.
The Current also welcome Matt Potter as their new head coach. Potter joins the team as a former United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) assistant coach, U-23 USWNT head coach and decorated NCAA coach. Previously, he led the University of Oklahoma to two NCAA tournament appearances and three double-digit win seasons.
The team also announced the addition of 2021 NWSL Draft Pick, Alex Loera, who previously opted to return to Santa Clara University to finish her collegiate career. In May of 2021 Loera led the Broncos to the school’s second NCAA Championship and earned the Honda Sport Award for soccer, given to the best collegiate female athlete in each season.
The Current’s four 2022 NWSL draft picks — Elyse Bennett, Chardonnay Curran, Jenna Winebrenner and Izzy Rodriguez — were also signed to the team this week.
Players to watch
Kansas City Current: Forward Lynn Williams — Williams is one of the most decorated forwards in NWSL history. She was named the 2016 NWSL MVP, 2016 Golden Boot winner, and ranks second-all time in NWSL career goals and assists. She has 45 caps for the U.S. with 14 international goals and 10 assists.
Racing Louisville FC: Forward Jess McDonald — McDonald ranks first all-time in regular season NWSL assists (27) and fourth in goals (51). In her time with the North Carolina Courage, the team claimed three shields (2017-2019) and three NWSL Championships wins (2016, 2018 and 2019). She was also the Championship MVP in the 2018 final.
How to watch
Racing Louisville FC vs Kansas City Current
Friday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Lynn Family Stadium
Stream on Paramount+
- Story from KC Current