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.