On a cool Saturday afternoon, the Kansas City Current were lined up against the Portland Thorns for the third time in four seasons. While the Current were set to make history in their new venue at CPKC Stadium, it also marked a full circle moment as the pair of teams initially kicked off their inaugural NWSL seasons the same way back in April 2013.
With a sold out crowd of 11,500 fans, the Current hosted an electric game as their 5-4 victory fueled the crowd to begin a new chapter in NWSL history as it was the first ever game in an NWSL first purpose-built stadium.
“It’s a historic day for women’s soccer and women’s sports and for Kansas City too and to be part of it, I’m just excited and proud to be part of a day like this,” said Vlatko Andonovski. “There is always something to push the standards to a higher stage. The stadium and this moment is what’s pushing the standard to the next level and now, it’s on the other teams to follow.”
Embedded Into Kansas City
With dozens of billboards that showcase Current players along with the logo plastered on the design of the streetcars throughout the city, the Current are truly making a statement in the city that is bigger than soccer.
In some cities with NWSL teams, residents aren’t aware of their local team and in most cases, merch isn’t readily accessible in airports or in local stores. However, in Kansas City, the Current dominate their presence with flags in public areas, a vibrant ‘KC BABY’ sign that resides at the heart of Union Station with merch sold alongside the likes of other KC teams such as the Chiefs and the Royals.
To top it off, the Current also have their state of the arts training facility worth $18 million in Riverside, MO. The training facility has multiple turf and grass fields and is located on a street name, which is named after the team.
Current Create A New Legacy At CPKC Stadium
Within 22’ minutes, the Current pressed in the final third and as Debinha crossed the ball to the center of the box, Vanessa Di Bernardo found the finish to officially celebrate the first goal in the NWSL’s first purpose-built stadium.
Moments later, rookie Ellie Wheeler doubled the lead for the Current in the 25’ minute. With the rise of the momentum, the Current maintained a 3-1 lead by the half as the lone goal for the Thorns was scored by none other than Sophia Smith.
The electricity of the stadium was seen as the KC Blue Crew supporter group continued to cheer throughout the game as they hyped the team for more goals.
“I think the mentality that this group has is something, as long as we continue to do that throughout the season, we’ll put ourselves in a really good position to contend for the Championship and that’s what this club wants to be all about,” said goalkeeper AD Franch. “As long as we do that, this represents those who have come before us and those who will come after us.”
Although the Thorns put up a fight as they were scoreless and went on to score four goals, the Current’s victory marked a new momentum in NWSL history. The Current’s opening game will go down in NWSL history as the $120 million venue allows for players to have the proper playing conditions that they’ve always deserved.
According to the Current, the stadium is projected to generate $20 million in revenue per year. As for the Current, their Teal Rising motto continues to ring true as they’ve created the start of a new legacy in women’s soccer.
Now, their next challenge awaits as they will travel to California to face San Diego Wave FC on March 23 before returning back home to host another California rival, Angel City FC.
