KC NWSL Opens Exhibition Season with Win over Orlando Pride
Published on March 3, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Kansas City Current News Release
Raisa Strom-Okimoto of Kansas City NWSL celebrates a goal vs. the Orlando Pride
(Kansas City Current)
ORLANDO, Fla. - Kansas City NWSL opens their official exhibition season with a 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride at Sylvan Lake Park fields. Raisa Strom-Okimoto scored the game's lone goal in the 59th minute.
Facing their first NWSL competition, Kansas City opened the game as the aggressor, holding possession in their opponent's end for the entirety of the first four minutes and much of the first 30 minutes of action.
The first chance came for Kansas City when left back Maddie Nolf found forward Amy Rodriguez on a long arching cross. Rodriguez had a one-touch shot to the near post that the Pride goalkeeper just got her hand on and pushed wide.
The rest of the first half and beginning of the second half was played mainly through the midfield. Each team had their chances with KC goalkeeper Carly Nelson making several big saves anytime Orlando was able to break through.
Kansas City broke the stalemate in the 59th minute. Midfielder Gaby Vincent launched a cross the width of the field where Strom-Okimoto was waiting to bury it past the outstretched arms of the Pride goalkeeper.
Kansas City was able to hold on through the final 30 minutes of the play and claim victory over the Pride. The team will remain in Florida through March 5, then return to Kansas City to continue preseason training. The team will play three additional preseason friendlies against the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the University of Oklahoma.
The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup opens April 9, with the regular season to follow beginning May 15. Kansas City NWSL is now accepting season ticket deposits ahead of the team's inaugural season. More information can be found at KCWoso.com
NWSL Scrimmage Report
Orlando Pride vs Kansas City NWSL
Date: March 3, 2021
Kickoff: 1:02 p.m. CT
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny
Scoring
59' Strom-Okimoto (Vincent)
Scoring Summary
Goals 1 2 F
Orlando Pride 0 0 0
Kansas City NWSL 0 1 1
Kansas City First Half Lineup:
Barnhart (Nelson 25'), Nolf, Corsie, Ball (Miramontez 34'), Bowen, LaBonta, Scott (Vincent 34'), Pickett, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Edmonds (Ratcliffe 34')
Kansas City Second Half Lineup:
Nelson, Miramontez (Jones 75'), Del Fava, Leach, Johnson, Vincent, Okimoto, Nick, Vasconcelos, Larroquette, Ratcliffe (McCain 66')
Images from this story
 Amy Rodriguez of Kansas City NWSL vs. the Orlando Pride |
 Carly Nelson of Kansas City NWSL vs. the Orlando Pride |
 Raisa Strom-Okimoto of Kansas City NWSL celebrates a goal vs. the Orlando Pride |
National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 3, 2021
- Orlando Pride Opens 2021 Preseason Play with Tight Battle against Kansas City - Orlando Pride
- KC NWSL Opens Exhibition Season with Win over Orlando Pride - Kansas City Current
- NC Courage Preseason Match against UNC on Saturday - North Carolina Courage
- Sky Blue FC to Play James Madison University in First Preseason Match of 2021 - Sky Blue FC
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