Preview: KC Current host OL Reign

NWSL Matchday 16

Who:  Kansas City Current (5-10-0, 15 pts) vs OL Reign (7-5-3, 24 pts)

When: Saturday, Aug 18^th, 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 (5-10-0, 15 pts) return to league play Friday when they host the OL Reign (7-2-4, 25 pts). This is the second meeting for these two teams this season. The Current lost their previous encounter with the Reign 2-1 in June.

Both teams performed well in the Challenge Cup, winning their respective divisions. The Reign are on top of the West with 14 points (4-0-2) while the Current are on top of the Central with 13 points (4-1-1).

While the Current are in a good position in the Challenge Cup, they sit in last place in the league, a full six points out of a playoff spot with a tough path to the postseason. Every point they can get are crucial.

“Yeah, for us it’s been such good weeks with the Challenge Cup games,” Head coach Caroline Sjöblom stated. “We have had time to test some things. I think we’re really ready to go back to the league and we’re going to hunt for these points now.”

The Current have Debinha back from the World Cup. Brazil did not make it out of their group so after a little time, Debinha was back in practice and ready to go. Head coach Caroline Sjöblom told the Kansas City Soccer Journal, “She’s back. She’s fully recovered, she’s in a good mood, and the first thing she did was ask me for a ball. So, she’s good, in a good position right now.”

Still shorthanded…

The Current have Debinha back but are still missing a lot of players but they keep inching towards more depth. Vanessa DiBernardo and Morgan Gautrat are still out with concussion issues but DiBernardo did enter early practice this week.

Two long term injured players Hanna Glas and Claire Lavogez are taking steps to being back on the field. Lavogez will not be ready for this match but could be on a game day roster in the next game or the one after that. Glas is a little further behind but definitely getting closer.

Lauren (Brazil) and Stine Ballisager (Denmark) could be in Kansas City early next week. The two international defenders could soon give Sjöblom options on the back line.

Availability:

Kansas City Current

OUT: 
Vanessa DiBernardo (concussion)

Hanna Glas (D45 – knee)

Morgan Gautrat (concussion)

Claire Lavogez (SEI – knee)

Sam Mewis (SEI – knee)

Desiree Scott (D45 – knee)

Jordan Silkowitz (hand)

Mallory Weber (SEI – knee)

QUESTIONABLE:

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:

OL Reign
OUT:
Jess Fishlock (leg)

QUESTIONABLE:

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kansas City Current attacker Debinha – The talented Brazilian is ready to wipe the memory of a disappointing World Cup out of her memory.

OL Reign USWNT players – It is unknown which returning national team players will start or come off the bench but with a potential of Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe adding to an already dangerous attack, the Current will have to be on their toes. IF those players are back…

Officials

Referee: Karen Callado

Assistant Referees: Matthew

Rodman, Stpehen Milhoan

4th Official: Drew Klemp

VAR: Luis Guardia

AVAR: Kaili Terry

Podcast:

Podcast with Thad Bell and Daniel Sperry