Preview and match thread: Kansas City Current at Orlando Pride

NWSL Matchday 13

Who:  Kansas City Current (3-9-0, 9 pts) vs Orlando Pride (4-7-1, 13 pts)

When: Saturday, June 24^th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. CT

Where: Exploria Stadium| Orlando

Watch:  Paramount+

Listen: KC Current Radio on the Kansas City Current app

The Kansas City Current (3-9-0, 9pts.) hit the road Saturday evening to face the Orlando Pride (4-7-1, 13pts.).  This is the second meeting for these two teams. The Current won the previous encounter 2-0 on April 23^rd with goals from Cece Kizer and Debinha.

Kansas City is fresh off a 3-2 loss at home against the Washington Spirit June 18. The Current started quickly with a goal by Michelle Cooper just 22 seconds after the whistle. It was her first league goal and record-setting fast. Debinha added to the lead in the 17^th minute but the Current could not hold a 2-1 halftime lead.

Orlando is returning home after a 3-0 thrashing by the North Carolina Courage. Two goals by Courage forward Kerolin, one from midfielder Meredith Speck and a strong defensive effort sent the Pride home.

This will likely be the last match until after the World Cup for Kansas City superstar Debinha as she is sure to be called up by Brazil. The same can be said for Orlando’s Adriana and Marta.

Availability:

Kansas City Current

OUT: 

Hanna Glas (D45 – knee)

Lo’eau LaBonta (R Knee),
Claire Lavogez (SEI – knee)
Alex Loera (foot)
Sam Mewis (SEI – knee)
Desiree Scott (D45 – knee)
Mallory Weber (SEI – knee)

Jordan Silkowitz (hand)

QUESTIONABLE:

Orlando Pride
OUT:
Carrie Lawrence (SEI – knee)QUESTIONABLE:

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kansas City Current attacker Debinha – Debinha has been Kansas City’s most dangerous attacker this season, leading the Current with five goals and one assist in eleven appearances.

Orlando Pride forward Adriana – The Brazilian forward is likely making her final appearance for the Pride before the 2023 FIFA World Cup begins. She has three goals and an assist for Orlando.

Officials

Referee: Eric Tattersall

Assistant Referees: Jeffrey Skinker,

Melissa Gonzalez

4th Official: JJ Bilinski

VAR: Laura Rodriguez

AVAR: Joel McKell