NWSL Orlando Pride

Know Your Opponent: Kansas City

Published on May 29, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Orlando Pride News Release


Key Transactions

Kansas City returned to the NWSL this past offseason, taking over the operations of Utah Royals FC and bringing women's professional soccer back to the city for the first time since 2017. The side's roster is composed of a multitude of former Royals' players, along with a number of other additions including former Orlando Pride players Kristen Edmonds and Jordyn Listro. Kansas City made its most recent addition over a week ago, signing 2021 NWSL Draft selection Kiki Pickett through the 2023 season.

Recent Form

The 2021 expansion side sits with a 0-1-2 record through three fixtures this season, most recently falling to the Chicago Red Stars by a score of 2-0 at the midweek. Prior to that match, Kansas City had battled to a scoreless draw at Racing Louisville on opening weekend before taking a 2-2 result from BBVA Stadium the following week against the Dash.

Who's Hot

Taylor Leach and Amy Rodriguez are responsible for Kansas City's two finishes in regular season play, while Mallory Weber and Mariana Larroquette have accounted for the pair of assists. Rodriguez also led the side in finishes in the Challenge Cup, netting two goals in four matches for Kansas City.

Head-to-Head

Sunday will mark the first matchup between the two sides in NWSL play, their only prior fixture coming in the form of the preseason opener for both clubs on March 3. The match will mark the second time this year that the Pride will play its inaugural match against an NWSL club, after opening Challenge Cup action with a 2-2 draw at Racing Louisville.

Rasmussen College Fun Fact

While Kansas City's roster features two former Orlando players, two current Pride members spent time at FC Kansas City in their respective careers in Erika Tymrak and Sydney Leroux. The former spent five seasons in Kansas City from 2013-17, winning NWSL Rookie of the Year honors in 2013 and back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2014-15. Leroux came to the side in 2016, where she was teammates with Tymrak from 2016-17 prior to joining the Pride ahead of the 2018 NWSL season.

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