Preview: Current host Racing Louisville

NWSL Matchday 8

Who:  Kansas City Current (2-5-0, 6 pts) vs Racing Louisville FC (1-2-4, 7pts)

When: Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. CT

Where: Children’s Mercy Park | Kansas City

Watch:  Paramount+

Listen: KC Current Radio on the Kansas City Current app

The Kansas City Current (2-5-0, 6 pts) look to bounce back from their loss midweek in the Challenge Cup to the same opponent. Racing Louisville FC (1-2-4, 7pts) defeated Kansas City 3-2 despite the Current taking an early lead on Michelle Cooper’s first goal.

After starting the season with three straight defeats, the Current changed the head coach and won the next three (one Challenge Cup and two league) matches. The Current have struggled since then another three straight defeats.

Kansas City has struggled when they gave up a goal, quickly giving up another goal or two to put them in very disadvantageous positions, making it difficult to recover. The young back line has tended to be good except in those moments.

A long list of injuries but some good news

Forward Kristen Hamilton is off the injury list and should be in the squad for the match. Defender Elizabeth Ball is not far behind but is back in the unavailable status.

Hamilton was a huge part of the Current’s success last season with scoring and the tremendous work rate up top constantly pressuring the opponent. She has been in the squad a few times now and is likely to see the field in the return home.

Availability:

Kansas City Current

OUT: 
Elizabeth Ball (hamstring)
Morgan Gautrat (calf)
Hanna Glas (D45 – knee)
Claire Lavogez (SEI – knee)
Alex Loera (foot)
Sam Mewis (SEI – knee)
Desiree Scott (D45 – knee)
Mallory Weber (SEI – knee)

QUESTIONABLE:

Racing Louisville

OUT:
Jordyn Bloomer (back)
Kristen Davis (ankle)
Emina Ekic (ankle)
Jess McDonald (excused absence)
Nadia Nadim (SEI – knee)

QUESTIONABLE:

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kansas City Current attacker Michelle Cooper – The rookie attacker was taken second overall in the draft when Kansas City made a dramatic trade up to get that spot. It took a while, but she has netted her first professional goal midweek in Louisville. The goal was assisted by fellow rookie and US youth national team mate, Alexa Spaanstra. Coach Sjöblom expects there will be many more to follow with the boost in confidence after the initial goal.

Racing Louisville attacker Savannah DeMelo– DeMelo punished Kansas City mistakes Wednesday with a brace. DeMelo has two goals in league play as well and has been dangerous for Louisville.

Officials

Referee: Brad Jensen

Assistant Referees: Baboucarr Jallow,

Rachel Smith

4th Official: Marie Durr

VAR: Anya Voigt

AVAR: Tony Obas

Michelle Cooper | Credit: Thad Bell