Kansas City NWSL Matches Up With Chicago in Game Two of 2021 Challenge Cup Schedule

KANSAS CITY (April 20, 2021) – Kansas City NWSL remains on the road for its second game of the 2021 Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the game was postponed one day due to inclement weather in the Chicago area. Kickoff is now scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 21. 

Despite the change in schedule, head coach Huw Williams is eager to see his team back in action. 

“The situation is what it is,” said Williams. “These players are ready to play and one day is not going to make a difference. The fact is there were many positives to take out of the Portland game. The team has been focused all week and is concentrating on bringing home a positive result this week.”

GAME NOTES

FRESH FACES
Adding to Williams’ optimism is the return of Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott and Argentinian forward Mariana Larroquette. Both missed the team’s opening game while on duty with their respective national teams. Canadian midfielder Jordyn Listro was also on Canada’s roster for their recent friendlies and has joined the team for the first time since being acquired in a trade with the Orlando Pride last month. Finally, Australian midfielder Chloe Logarzo has joined the team and is looking to make an impact.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Victoria Pickett – The rookie midfielder made quite an impact in her opening game against Portland. A second-round draft pick, Pickett was very active throughout the match and provided the assist on the team’s goal. Williams has big expectations for Pickett and plans to move her around the field to make sure she is in the most effective position for the team’s success.

Michele Vasconcelos – A veteran forward, Vasconcelos played for Chicago for several years before being traded to Utah during the 2020 season. A speedy winger, she has the ability to get around the corner and send crosses into the box where forward Amy Rodriguez and her attacking teammates can get on the other end of the ball. 

LAST MATCH
Kansas City returned to the National Women’s Soccer League with its first match of the Challenge Cup at Portland on April 9. After giving up an early goal, Kansas City matched up well with the Thorns for the majority of the game. The first goal in franchise history was scored in the 60th minute when Pickett was able to bounce a pass to Rodriguez who popped the ball over the outstretched arms of the Thorns goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Portland had scored their second goal of the game just two minutes previous, leaving Kansas City with a 2-1 defeat.

TRANSACTIONS
Kansas City has released forwards Brittany Ratcliffe and Raisa Strom-Okimoto

HOW TO WATCH
The game will be broadcast on Paramount+ and internationally on Twitch.

KANSAS CITY (April 20, 2021) – Kansas City NWSL remains on the road for its second game of the 2021 Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the game was postponed one day due to inclement weather in the Chicago area. Kickoff is now scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 21. 

Despite the change in schedule, head coach Huw Williams is eager to see his team back in action. 

“The situation is what it is,” said Williams. “These players are ready to play and one day is not going to make a difference. The fact is there were many positives to take out of the Portland game. The team has been focused all week and is concentrating on bringing home a positive result this week.”

GAME NOTES

FRESH FACES
Adding to Williams’ optimism is the return of Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott and Argentinian forward Mariana Larroquette. Both missed the team’s opening game while on duty with their respective national teams. Canadian midfielder Jordyn Listro was also on Canada’s roster for their recent friendlies and has joined the team for the first time since being acquired in a trade with the Orlando Pride last month. Finally, Australian midfielder Chloe Logarzo has joined the team and is looking to make an impact.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Victoria Pickett – The rookie midfielder made quite an impact in her opening game against Portland. A second-round draft pick, Pickett was very active throughout the match and provided the assist on the team’s goal. Williams has big expectations for Pickett and plans to move her around the field to make sure she is in the most effective position for the team’s success.

Michele Vasconcelos – A veteran forward, Vasconcelos played for Chicago for several years before being traded to Utah during the 2020 season. A speedy winger, she has the ability to get around the corner and send crosses into the box where forward Amy Rodriguez and her attacking teammates can get on the other end of the ball. 

LAST MATCH
Kansas City returned to the National Women’s Soccer League with its first match of the Challenge Cup at Portland on April 9. After giving up an early goal, Kansas City matched up well with the Thorns for the majority of the game. The first goal in franchise history was scored in the 60th minute when Pickett was able to bounce a pass to Rodriguez who popped the ball over the outstretched arms of the Thorns goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Portland had scored their second goal of the game just two minutes previous, leaving Kansas City with a 2-1 defeat.

TRANSACTIONS
Kansas City has released forwards Brittany Ratcliffe and Raisa Strom-Okimoto

HOW TO WATCH
The game will be broadcast on Paramount+ and internationally on Twitch.