KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The US Women’s National Team played its first-ever friendly at CPKC Stadium Tuesday night, marking another milestone for the home of the KC Current.
The match against New Zealand represented the first national team game at the first stadium built specifically for women’s sports, with four KC Current players on the Team USA roster.
The historic occasion drew both KC Current regulars and newcomers to the stadium. Susan Eagan of Olathe attended with all five of her children, saying her kids motivated her to come out for the match.
“We’ve talked about it since the stadium opened to get down here,” said one of Eagan’s sons.
Mom came to match with her five adult children.(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
Fans celebrate city and country
KC Current season ticket holders displayed reversible rally scarves featuring the Current on one side and the USWNT on the other. Kids got creative with face paint. One showed U-S-A in red, white and teal.
KC Current season ticket holders and Blue Crew members are taking in the historic moment with the USWNT.(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
A KC Current season ticket holder and Blue Crew member known as “the tie dye guy” wore his signature teal tie dyed overalls, his beard glittering in the team’s signature color, as he remarked on the significance of the match.
“It’s historic. It’s amazing. And to see four Kansas City players on the team, that’s even better,” he said.
Young players find inspiration
Three 8-year-olds who had recently celebrated tournament wins on their youth teams attended the match. Everly Michaelsen, Vivian Dinsdale and Claire Michaelsen said they were excited to see players who demonstrate what aspire to become.
“It’s they’re just, like, really strong and never give up,” said Vivian. Everly added, “And I want to be a captain on a team, so I face my fears and do whatever it takes for me to get there.”
8-year-olds Claire, Everly and Vivian were catching Team USA while also celebrating winning their youth soccer tournaments. (2 tournaments/teams)(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
8-year-olds Claire, Everly and Vivian were catching Team USA while also celebrating winning their youth soccer tournaments. (2 tournaments/teams)(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
A group of four teens from Iowa attended after their United Futbol Academy club team won the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup title in the 14U category over the summer.
They continued each others’ sentences in succession as they explained what it means to them.
“You can just see the determination in everyone, and it’s just awesome,” said one of the Iowa players. Another added, “Seeing all the players together and how well they work together and like, build off that, like with our whole team.”
A third teammate summed up what she takes away from it.
“It just kind of inspires you, how you can play on the field with these players, but also have a real connection with them,” she said.
The US Women’s National Team has two more friendlies scheduled this year, taking on Italy in Orlando and then Fort Lauderdale.
These gals came from Iowa. They’re also celebrating winning the President’s Cup Nationals this summer with their United Football Academy club team in the U14 category.(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
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