Kansas City: Back Like They Never Left

At the home opener in Kansas City on Saturday, the Current had their work cut out for them. With an injury riddled roster, new coach, and heartbreaking ending to their last season, there were plenty of questions about the team’s future. Little was done to dispel them when Utah’s Tatumn Milazzo delivered the first goal of the game in the 35th minute. The Royals remained dominant as the Current were held to only two shots on goal in the first half. However, KC came out fired up in the second half, and in the 57th minute, a backheel from Kayla Sharples set Croix Bethune up for a birthday goal in her debut with the Current. After several more opportunities, Debinha found Ally Sentnor, who dribbled across the box and sent the ball streaking into the net in front of the supporters section for the go-ahead goal. This was Sentnor’s first goal behind the Current’s crest. 

After the game, the midfielder discussed the game-changing conversation that took place at halftime. 

“The first game is always going to be a little bit chaotic,” said Sentnor, “but we just talked about keeping the ball a little bit more,  …short connections, and …getting into the flow of the game.” 

Sentnor also mentioned “the 12th player” amidst the post-game festivities. Displayed on the jumbotron in the second half, CPKC Stadium had once again been sold out, with 11,500 fans in the stands. After Bethune’s game tying shot, fans could be heard cheering “we want another one” throughout the entire stadium. At the helm of the cheers is none other than the Current’s own official supporter’s group, the KC Blue Crew, who is backed by the drumming club, Surface Tension. Carrie Shuck, first year leader of the club, noted how every game is just as exciting as the first.

“There’s nothing like being in CPKC,” she said, “I got goosebumps when the first players were coming out.”

Shuck’s favorite part of the job is being part of the game and leading the crowd in chants, and the impact does not go unnoticed. Also mentioning the importance of the Teal Town crowd were Kayla Sharples and head coach Chris Armas, who gave it partial credit for the win. 

Unfortunately, the Current won’t return to their home crowd until April fourth, after three weeks of games on the road. Until then, the 12th player will have to watch from afar. 

Written by KC Current Media Rep Emilie Bartlett