Know Your Foe: KC Current
One of the first ideas I had for this website was to connect with writers who cover other teams. This achieved a couple of things. First, it allowed me to build a network of people across the NWSL world if I had a question about a particular team. Second, it allowed me to be really lazy and let someone else basically write a post for me. Thad Bell is one of those writers. If you are really interested in the KC Current read Thad’s preview of them here. Thad was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me leading up to Racing’s first match in the Challenge Cup.
Did you get an invitation to the Mahomes/Matthews wedding?
I am nowhere close to running in those circles…. I can claim to have been in the same room as both of them at different times.
With the acquisitions of Mewis and Williams, are the Current going "All In" on 2022, and will anything but a deep playoff run be a disappointment?
With a new coach, lots of moves last year to improve the team, and then all the offseason moves iit definitely indicates a desire to do well. There are so many questions about the team, formation, style, who starts, etc…. but one thing we do know is they want to succeed. So yes, anything other than a playoff run would be disappointing.
Which first year player are you most excited to see?
Good question, I want to say Alex Loera because I think she has a great chance to play a lot and make a difference. She was drafted last year but stayed in school and made good use of the extra year Covid year. She became a better leader and played well. The problem is defenders and d-mid types are rarely “exciting” players so I will cheat and say both Loera and Elyse Bennett. They expect Bennet to have the speed to break past the defensive lines and create chaos in the defense. Her shooting percentage is not high but with players like Williams and Mewis to follow up there should be some goals created from her runs.
How seriously will the Current take the Challenge Cup? Will they try to win it with experienced players or use it to evaluate younger players and prepare for the season?
When that question is asked the answer it of course we want to win. I think they will be happy with some wins/good results and experience gained. Knock off a couple wins and they might start believing though….
The Current are starting to nip at Racing's heals in terms of facilities. How excited are the fans to get a Current specific stadium?
With a new stadium in the near future, new training center popping up as I type this, new players, owners spending money all over the place, OF COURSE the fans are excited. The Current will play at Children’s Mercy Park this year, big field, good grass and then next year have a home of their own.
Any word on a new kit or will the Current just be using the new badge?
No word so far. I would not be at all surprised if one pops up before Friday….or before the regular season. Need more Teal though.
Do you have a prediction for KC's starting XI vs. Racing on Friday?
It is so hard to predict at this point but here goes… Franch, Edmonds, Loera, Leach, Mace, Scott, Pickett, LaBonta, Mewis, Williams, Hamilton
I would like to thank Thad for answering my questions. Check out his work on The Blue Testament and on Twitter @TheBackpost.
