WEBVTT
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Hello, Casey Current fans.
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Welcome once again to the current situation here on the Casey Current app and YouTube page.
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I'm Dave Borchard alongside Jilly and Carol Latrinko.
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Thanks so much for tuning in.
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Big show again today.
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We'll talk to Maura Sheridan, veteran NWSL broadcaster coming up next segment.
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But first, we have a blowout Kansas City Current win to talk about, the second in a row.
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Two kind of must-win games at home, and Kansas City got a four to one win against Denver and a five to one win against BFC.
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Pretty perfect.
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Yeah, back-to-back matches with Hattricks.
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We still think that this was the first time it happened in NWSL play.
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We're like 99% sure, right?
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I'll take it.
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Uh but what an exciting time for Kansas City.
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And I recall coming into the Denver match saying this has to be a statement match.
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Kansas City has to let everybody know, no, we are serious.
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We have gotten s over some hurdles, and we are all ducks are in a line in a row and we are heading into this playoff push with momentum, with execution on our mind.
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And and then to see that happen the exact say almost the exact same situation the next week.
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These two matches are really making sure people understand where Casey is mentally and and really physically as well.
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Because look at the injuries that have healed up and people have come back.
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Um look how many people are finding the back of the goal.
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What an what a performance.
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And two of them back to back.
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I know Chris Armist has to be happy with this consistency, not only of the offense, but of just taking all the points that they deserved.
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I think the only thing Coach Armist probably isn't happy with is that they conceded first again, right?
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And it's funny we talked about it last week on the podcast.
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We talked about it on the pregame show Saturday.
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You're coming off the bullet win against Denver.
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Let's start on the front foot, let's get an early lead.
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It didn't happen, but it didn't matter.
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It seems like it doesn't matter for this team if they fall behind.
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It's crazy, right?
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It is not uh, you know, putting my coaching hat on for a second, certainly not the scenario that you'd prefer your team to start.
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Was it the first seven minutes?
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Fourth minute.
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Fourth minute, excuse me.
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Uh now we did kind of watch tape back and understand like there was a little bit of a breakdown, the sun was in the eyes of Lorena.
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It was a really well-done job from forward Carly Lima, but still, you just don't want to give that up.
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But the way this team responded, the way that they came back, they leveled the score before going into half, and then bam, come out of half, just let Debina cook.
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30 minutes to put away three goals, and then oh, Shawinga will join the goal party as well.
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What a phenomenal performance from Kansas City.
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It was amazing.
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And like you said, it's back-to-back hat tricks.
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The current has had three regular season hat tricks in the team's history, and two of the three have come in the last 10 days.
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Like it's just crazy how that's happened.
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Like you said, this time it was Dabinia, it was Haley Hopkins last week.
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Did you have a favorite goal out of the three Dabinia goals?
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Okay.
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Uh, as I replay them all, this first one was so smooth.
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It was so sick that the way that I mean, and then this is like I know I keep saying vintage Shawinga because she did go away for a little due to injury due to travel and come back.
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But this is like classic Dabinia for me.
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This is smooth on the ball, cheeky roll the ball.
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So anytime you're you're doing that, a forward is able to roll the ball.
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That you're not sure what pace is coming next.
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And so as a defender, as a goalkeeper, she essentially froze them.
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And she just smooth, rolled that ball, took her body and her shoulders to the left, opened her hip, put it to the right.
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Oh, it was amazing.
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Uh, that's probably my favorite, but I can't get over the fact that it was two header goals from our five foot one forward, actually playing midfielder at the at the moment, but uh, and then the Sellies on the second and third goal, just chef's kiss.
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We talked about it last week.
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It's gonna be a tough decision for Coach Chris Armas when everybody's healthy, and I think there's a lot of hopes Croy Bethune is ready to go after the international break.
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And you would think Showing is starting for sure.
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Yeah.
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You would think Cooper's starting for sure.
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Yeah.
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And then you have two spots, and you have Croy Bethune who's tied for the league lead and assists, you have Haley Hopkins who just had a hat trick, and Dabini who just had a hat trick.
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Theoretically, someone might be sitting down in that scenario.
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It's crazy.
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Yeah, I mean, I guess there's always a possibility to tinker with the situation, add in an extra maybe a double ten situation.
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There are some options.
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However, I think going to Utah, which is where Kansas City will travel on October 17th, I'm not sure that's the time to tinker with uh tactical lineups, but to your point, there's so much talent, and this is a problem that Kansas City has had in the past.
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We always talked about champagne problems, right?
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Um, but this one is almost so specific to the position, that 10 position, right?
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And where to put Dabina, Croy, Haley Hopkins.
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So I'm glad it's Coach Armist that's making this decision because I when we talk about this, we kind of go back and forth.
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And I was like, no, I'm gonna bring Hopkins in off the bench because I know that's almost like bringing in a goal, but I it's so hard, it's so difficult to figure out what is the the best 11, what is the best front three there.
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There's just so much talent from Kansas City.
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Your idea though about the two attacking midfielders is really interesting because the current just scored four goals and five goals with one attacking midfielder, and you kind of wonder well, how many could they score if they have two?
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Yeah, and maybe they give up another goal or two, but it's crazy to think about what this offense is just with one attacking midfielder.
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So exactly.
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And and you know, what's the best defense is offense.
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Keep the ball, keep the possession, right?
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So if you have the numbers there, but right, you know, obviously heading into or Utah, and we'll talk about them in a little bit.
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But um maybe if you're at home, maybe and you're at Kansas City and you feel confident enough to, hey, let's try some things that change it up a little bit.
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You have that almost extra edge being at CPKC Stadium.
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So who knows?
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Like I said, we're not making the call.
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Thank goodness it's Armis.
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Um, but we'll see.
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But bottom line, so much talent in this offensive unit.
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Haley Hopkins also had a goal in the match, ended up being the equalizer the current needed right before halftime.
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And then there was a classic Temois Shawinga goal late in the match that put this game on ice, ended up being a huge win, five to one blowout for the Kansas City Current.
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All right, and we have one more perspective to share their thoughts on the Kansas City win over Bay FC, and that is, of course, Maura Sheridan.
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She is a veteran sports broadcaster and one of the most recognizable voices in NWSL play by play.
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Maura joins the show now.
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Maura, thanks so much for joining us.
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We know that you called the match.
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Great job, by the way.
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It was so exciting, so that's fun.
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Um, what were your general takeaway thoughts about this big victory for Kansas City?
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Well, yeah, thanks for having me on.
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I think my takeaways were goals galore, and that's really been the story for Kansas City, especially at home.
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In the last two games, nine goals, and I I didn't think that there was going to be another hat trick back to back.
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I'm not sure how many times that's happened in NWSL history, but to see Hopkins do it last week and Dabinia do it this time around it all in one half, it was incredible.
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And I mean, CPKC Stadium, it's just nobody has been able to beat this Kansas City team there uh this year.
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So it's funny, and from what we know, it's the first time in NWSL history a team has had back-to-back hat tricks, and you mentioned the goals galore.
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The current right now sits with a plus ten goal differential, but if we go back two games ago, it was plus three.
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So as we look to the playoffs, that's something that could really benefit them in terms of the tiebreaker.
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And before we move on, I want to ask you about what you see from the current in terms of their playoff potential.
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Now, they haven't clinched a spot yet, but I mean, do they strike you as the type of team that could maybe make a run like we saw Gotham do last year, where Gotham sneaks in and then they catch fire and they get healthy at the right time and they go all the way to the championship?
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I mean, when you look at this roster and just the caliber of players, it it would be hard to believe that they would miss out on the postseason.
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So I would imagine this team gets in.
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I think the question is where do they get in and can they earn a home playoff game?
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Because that's how tight things are in the table right now.
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Kansas City was fighting for a position to get into the spot before this game.
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Now they're in fifth place.
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And so if they just keep this up, they could get a playoff game at CPKC Stadium.
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And I know they want revenge from what happened there last year.
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Um, this is a team with U.S.
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Women's National Team talent, Dabinia, Showinga.
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I mean, the list goes on and on.
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I just can't imagine that Kansas City doesn't get in.
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It's just about positioning now, but they still have to be careful because there are teams like Seattle, North Carolina all looming beneath them.
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And that brings us to uh week 24 results.
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It was a little bit chaotic.
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Uh we saw three games with five or more goals.
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We saw teams dropping points that probably no one expected.
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Uh Kansas City found their way up to the fifth spot, and what was it, Portland down to the seven?
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What were some of the biggest takeaways for you just from in regard and just week 24 in general?
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I think that Portland result's pretty concerning for the Thorns because yes, you lose to Boston Legacy.
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We see it in this league all the time.
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Teams play spoiler.
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It there's no easy games in the NWSL.
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It's more that Sophia Wilson got a red card and she has 13 goals this season.
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So to not have her in the next game, that's concerning for a Portland team, as you mentioned, that's dropped in the table.
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And that would be a tough team to imagine, not in the postseason as well in the NWSL.
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And then for North Carolina, they're just hovering above that playoff line to create some separation in a win over Seattle.
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And I know former uh Kansas City current player Gianna Paul with the game winner in that one.
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So those are the two big results that I was keeping an eye on.
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And North Carolina to have Ashley Santos score 20 goals and not make the postseason would be absolutely shocking, but they are just right there above that playoff line.
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So speaking of the playoff line and the standings, the top three have separated themselves a little bit.
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It looks like Gotham's probably gonna get the shield.
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San Diego clinched, Washington clinched.
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Utah is there in fourth, only two points ahead of the current, and that's the next current opponent as well.
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So that's interesting.
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If Kansas City can win that game after the break, they would leap up into fourth place.
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Not to say that's an easy game.
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It certainly is not.
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Then the current at 44 in fifth place, like you said, Angel City 43, Portland 43, North Carolina 42, and Seattle just two points out.
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Denver still in it as well.
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They're playing really well, other than that loss to Kansas City a couple weeks ago, 38 points.
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How do you think it shakes out in terms of the last couple teams to sneak in?
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Is there a team you feel strongly about, or maybe a team that you think might miss out, or how do you think these last couple spots will shake out here now with just three games left?
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It's hard because it is pretty much based on scheduling now.
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I I my hot take is I think Angel City is going to get a top four spot right now, just the way they're playing.
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They're on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
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I feel like this is a side that we've just been waiting for to click and they are peaking at the right time.
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When you look at some of the schedule, I think Seattle has an easier run to the postseason than North Carolina, which again would be so shocking the way North Carolina's been playing, especially after the international break.
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But North Carolina has some really tough opponents coming up next.
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And so I'm not sure.
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I I it's between those two, I would say, for the final spot.
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Denver has a little bit more work to do.
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They would have to pretty much win out to make the postseason, but again, don't count them out.
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But it's between those three for that final spot.
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That's that's the way I view it.
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Yeah, things are starting to get a little chaotic, which I know I love.
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Um love a good year where the shield isn't outright won, except for I did love last year when Kansas City won it outright.
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Um, but yeah, the race is fun.
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Um, this time of year, other awards also enter the conversations, right?
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So we having you here, we'd like to get your thought on potential rookie of the year award winners.
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We saw this month rookie of the year, rookie of the month was Jordan Dudley out of Gotham.
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She's, I think, picked up the second nominee there.
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Um, second rookie of the month nominee.
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What are your thoughts?
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There's some really great young talent across the NWSL this year.
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There is.
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It's been so fun, especially to if you follow the college game to follow these players into the league as well here in the US.
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I think it's between three, in my opinion.
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Kat Raider, it's hard to deny she has 10 goals and the rookie record in this league is 11.
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So just in terms of output of what she's done with the Houston Dash, I think she would be the favorite.
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Jordan Dudley, though, is an eye-test player.
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She doesn't have the numbers necessarily, but when you watch her play, there's absolutely no doubt that she is a huge part of that Gotham team that, again, looks like they're going to win the shield.
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And I think just her defensive work as a forward has been incredibly impressive, so much so that I just feel like she'll be in a U.S.
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women's national team camp coming up soon.
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And then I think my other candidate would be Mimi Van Zanten with San Diego, another player that's a really hard roster to break into, that's a hard starting 11 to break into, and she's undeniable.
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They have to start her every game.
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I've seen her, some of the best wingers in the league have had trouble with Mimi Van Zant.
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So that would be my three.
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And I think Van Zanten's a dark horse candidate there.
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But I do imagine Raider will win.
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Okay.
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Before we let you go, I'd love to ask you about the MVP conversation.
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Obviously, we're coming off Tem Washiwinga winning back-to-back MVPs, even though her stats per 90 minutes this year are still incredible.
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Probably not in the conversation because she's missed a lot of time.
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Um, is there anyone that can give Ashley Sanchez a run for her money, or do you think it's already kind of a close conversation?
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I think it has to be Sanchez.
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I think people love a good story too with MVP, and Sanchez is a great story.
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A player that, you know, has been on the U.S.
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woman's national team in years past and has been left off those rosters time and time again, and then all of a sudden just emerges out of nowhere with North Carolina and has the best season, not just of her career, she's tripling numbers from years past.
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It's been, this is a player we watch really grow up in the NWSL.
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So I am it it has to be Sanchez.
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I would say Sophia Wilson, though, is maybe my number two just in terms of coming back from maternity leave and scoring 13 goals with the Thorns.
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It's been unbelievable.
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The way she's made her teammates look better.
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I think she's elevated Pietra Tordan as well with that Thorns side.
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And Chloe Lacasse, I think, with Utah has had an unbelievable season as well, 10 assists on the year.
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Um I know that's tied with Bethune and Tordan and all these players that are also having incredible seasons, but Lacasse has also emerged to me as an MVP candidate as well.
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Yeah.
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Great stuff, Maura.
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We certainly appreciate you joining.
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Now you're gonna take an international break, right?
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And then you'll get back on the call the following weekend.
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I'm sure we'll have you.
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Um, do you have any more Kansas City matches in the regular season?
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Uh, I think I have decision day.
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So that might be very important.
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Racing Louisville, final game.
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Ah, maybe we should bother you then as well.
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No.
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Uh appreciate the time.
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We're really, really uh enjoyed your conversation today.
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Thank you so much for joining us.
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Thanks so much for having me.
00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.200
All right.
00:14:49.279 --> 00:14:51.039
Thanks to Maura Sheridan for joining us.
00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:53.519
And now let's take a look at women's soccer around the globe.
00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:57.679
Lots of KC current players out right now called into their respective national teams.
00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:03.039
Lorena with Brazil, Temoishawinga with Malawi, Rocky Rodriguez with Costa Rica.
00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:03.679
How about this?
00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:05.120
A call in for Laney Rouse.
00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.240
That was great to see U.S.
00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:08.240
women's national team under 23.
00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:10.080
And the rookie really deserved it.
00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:10.879
She's been playing great.
00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.480
I'm so happy for Lainey Rouse.
00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:16.559
I think this is huge, and I think it's a reflection of how she is playing for Kansas City.
00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:20.159
Uh obviously, we saw her out with a red card, unfortunately, in the game before that.
00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.440
She looked really, really good.
00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:25.120
Uh had a little bit of an injury previously, but uh we were chatting.
00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:33.279
I thought she was in the mix of Rookie of the Year, Rookie of the Year's NWSL based off of her contributions before the injury and missing a few matches.
00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:38.399
But huge shout for Lainey Rouse and really excited to see what she'll do in that camp.
00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:43.759
And along those lines, you know, we know Emma Hayes wants the development there.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:47.120
So this is not just a, you know, oh, it's a great call-up.
00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:52.720
Like this is an opportunity to develop, and this is an opportunity to show what she can do and get in the mixture and get in that environment.
00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.960
So this is maybe first of many to come.
00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:58.879
The other call-in for the Casey Current is Michelle Cooper back with the U.S.
00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:00.720
senior women's national team.
00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:03.200
They've come off recently a couple games down in Brazil.
00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.879
Now there's a couple games against Spain.
00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:06.399
This is a big test for Team USA.
00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.799
Do you see this as a World Cup final preview?
00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:09.919
What kind of challenge is this?
00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:15.120
I just think it's the ultimate preparation match going into the World Cup.
00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:20.240
So FIFA ranked number one Spain, FIFA ranked number two USA.
00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.600
Let's go see.
00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:27.360
They get two matches in DC on Saturday the 10th, in Philly on Tuesday the 13th.
00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:28.080
I'm so excited.
00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:29.440
I'm gonna be at both matches.
00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:37.679
Um but this is huge for them, and this is huge for Emma Hayes as she is finalizing that roster, obviously, just months before the World Cup.
00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:39.919
So really big opportunity for Cooper.
00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:44.799
We've seen her do amazing things with the US women's national team and is truly thriving in that environment.
00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:46.399
So it's really exciting.
00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:56.480
Um, and then of course, you know, any like NWSL in general, about a hundred players across the league were called in in this specific camp.
00:16:56.559 --> 00:17:02.159
So I just think that also shows a the talent in NWSL and how it's growing and evolving.
00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:06.160
Kansas City has some time to kind of sit on these back-to-back wins.
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:10.240
I guess in some ways you wouldn't want the break right now because Kansas City is so hot.
00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:10.960
You know, we'll see.
00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:12.400
Hopefully they can keep that momentum.
00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:15.279
But we do have a couple weeks now to analyze the next game.
00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:20.960
KC Current at the Utah Royals, Saturday, October 17th, 5 30 p.m.
00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:22.240
Central Time.
00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:37.680
It's one of those games that if Kansas City wins, and I know we were talking about scenarios off the air, if Kansas City wins and Seattle loses or ties, Kansas City will essentially wrap up a playoff spot because they have such a huge tiebreaker advantage over Seattle with the goal differential.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:40.559
Right now, Seattle's plus one, Kansas City's plus ten.
00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:44.640
So there's a chance Kansas City could kind of seal their playoff fate.
00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:47.119
Now going to win at Utah is not an easy thing.
00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:47.599
Yeah.
00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:50.720
Give us your thoughts here, two weeks out on what this matchup looks like.
00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:53.200
It is so hard because we do have the break.
00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:56.079
Uh, but let's say that it was normal and it was this weekend, right?
00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:58.000
And let's just play it out that way.
00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:02.319
Um, Utah did not have a great performance in their last NWSL match.
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:08.160
So just seconds away from dropping points to Louisville, a team that's not in the the playoff picture.
00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.599
I know that surprised me.
00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:12.079
I know we were kind of watching it like, what is happening?
00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:16.720
You know, um, but they were really seconds away from a a surprise defeat at Louisville.
00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:22.640
Um so I I think they've been up until this match, they were pretty consistent.
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.000
And you have to look at this.
00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:27.599
In my opinion, you step back and look at Utah Royals, they were an expansion team.
00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:33.920
This final four, top eight, this is not a place that they're they've been at years and years and years.
00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:37.359
This is not a you know tradition of excellence type of situation.
00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:44.480
So I think they probably have a little more motivation than other teams at the moment, just saying, we've got to get in, we've got to break into that top four.
00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:46.640
Let's for the first time host a playoff game.
00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:48.079
Like that would be huge for this club.
00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:52.400
So I think they're gonna come in upset with the lost points at Louisville.
00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:55.519
And I think they're gonna come in with a little bit of extra motivation.
00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:59.839
We wanna get into that top four, we wanna stay into that top four and host a game.
00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:01.519
So I think it's gonna be tough.
00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:05.519
Um, old friend Cece Kaiser is doing really well over there.
00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:09.119
Um, you know, Kate Delfava, another old friend, just got called into.
00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:16.000
She was an overage player at the USU-23s, but then Naomi Gurma unfortunately took an injury.
00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:20.240
So uh Kate Delfava will be with the first team in this camp.
00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.640
So, I mean, there's a lot of talented players across the pitch.
00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:25.920
Paige Cronin as well, captain, doing some great things for them.
00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:37.519
Um, and Jimmy Coonarets has an organized team, and they have been very methodical about the slow development, not kind of doing easy things, um, really coming together as a squad.
00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:40.640
They don't have a lot of flashy players, but they really are a team.
00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:49.599
So it's it's gonna be a tough match, I think, for Kansas City to go there in this situation where Utah might have a little bit of extra motivation coming off a tough lot, a tough result.
00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:55.039
You got some altitude to deal with, although the one game the current played at altitude this year was probably their best road game, right?
00:19:55.119 --> 00:20:02.000
They went out and clobbered Denver, but it hasn't been necessarily smooth sailing for Kansas City away from CPKC Stadium this year.
00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:06.880
So I wouldn't expect Kansas City to go out and win five to one, for example, like we just saw against Bay FC.
00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:12.799
So, what what's the formula for the current to try to replicate their home form on the road against a good Utah team?
00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:13.680
It's not gonna be easy.
00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.680
No, and it's such a good question and such a good point.
00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:18.000
And we've heard Coach Armist talk about this before.
00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:24.160
Why not go into other environments with the confidence that you enter your own in?
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:28.000
And we saw it a couple of times, but we haven't seen it enough of this squad.
00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:29.200
So and it is difficult.
00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:32.000
Um, CPKC fans are irreplaceable.
00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:34.240
That environment is one of one, right?
00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:36.559
And this team benefits that from that, and they know that.
00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:45.759
But Armis is all about believing that we believe that we deserve to be here, believing in each other, believing in the talent and coming together and executing the game plan.
00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:49.119
So I think it is really gonna be uh mental for Kansas City.
00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:54.000
It's gotta be a lot of coming ready to play, uh ready to just take care of business.
00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:55.519
Go in, take care of business, and get out.
00:20:55.759 --> 00:21:01.359
You know, Utah's a team I think mo the most in the league, they've scored in all but three matches.
00:21:01.599 --> 00:21:03.039
So they know how to score goals.
00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:07.599
Kansas City, we've seen drop points here and there, drop goals here and there.
00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:14.880
Um definitely would like to see some stingy defense and shut them down, but obviously uh they've got to put them away to take the points.
00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:21.680
So it's gonna be um it's gonna be a whole team needing to show up, take care of business, no hesitation.
00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:25.599
Um going down against Utah at Utah would be difficult.
00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:30.640
So let's hope Kansas City doesn't follow suit of the past couple matches, and let's hope that they start strong.
00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:36.640
It would be difficult, but I think I'm done saying the current needs to score first, quote unquote, because clearly they don't.
00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:41.759
It's nine times this year at home now they've come from behind to de avoid defeat.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:44.319
It's second most in a season in NWSL history.
00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:48.240
The all-time record is ten times in a season, a team has come from behind to avoid defeat.
00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:50.720
So this team has some uh real grid.
00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:54.319
Yeah, and it's a stat that we don't w want to celebrate.
00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:57.119
True, but it is a stat that speaks volumes.
00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:59.599
To your point, they are a gritty, resilient bunch.
00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:02.400
Um and they have a winning mentality.
00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:05.200
No matter what the situation is, we're down a goal.
00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.799
All right, we're gonna come back and win.
00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:12.480
And so I think uh, you know, when you look at the squad last year and they never had to do that, I don't think.
00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:14.079
Uh certainly not this many times.
00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:16.400
Uh, there may have been one or two times that they went down.
00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.799
However, night and day different.
00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:25.440
And I think a team that's going through the adversity that Kansas City has gone through, that's only gonna make them more dangerous in the playoffs.
00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:26.319
And hey, I'll take that.
00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:28.160
And we can get into more next week.
00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.119
Really a breakdown.
00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.799
Tactics, players, keys to the game.
00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:34.079
Hopefully, we'll have an update on Croix Bethune so we can get to that more next week.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.359
But it'll be a huge game either way.
00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:37.680
Yeah, of course, everybody takes this break.
00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:53.680
And my only kind of question I think would be for the players that are playing either internationally or the players who are playing a game on that Tuesday the thirteenth, how quickly can they get back in the environment and then rest and then prepare for this match on Saturday?
00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.720
And that's gonna be a question.
00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:56.079
We don't know that answer just yet.
00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:58.720
Um, but it is something to think about moving into the other.
00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:03.440
Theoretically, it's easier for Michelle Cooper who's not going as far as Tem Wishawinga, right?
00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:06.000
So like that could be it could be different from player to player.
00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:11.759
And you know, you always have to think, okay, maybe Cooper plays the Saturday match for US and not the Tuesday match, and then she'd be fine.
00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:18.640
And maybe, you know, it's seamless, but there's everyone's handling that kind of challenge at the moment, right?
00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:20.799
We said a hundred NWSL players are gone.
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.039
So um it's just part of this.
00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.839
It's part of the NWSL schedule.
00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:34.400
And these I mean, these athletes are professional, these these coaches plan for this, and so there's so much set in place to make this a successful transition back.
00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:39.680
Um, let's just pray that everyone gets home safe and and then they can start preparing for their next match.
00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:46.880
Get home safe, avoid injuries, the players that are staying here get some rest, and hopefully the current can pick up where they left off on October 17th.
00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:47.920
It should be interesting.
00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:49.200
That'll do it for us.
00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.519
Thanks so much for tuning in to the current situation.
00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:53.119
We'll talk to you next week.
00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:01.520
Hello, Casey Current fans.
00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:05.440
Welcome once again to the current situation here on the Casey Current app and YouTube page.
00:00:05.519 --> 00:00:08.000
I'm Dave Borchard alongside Jilly and Carol Latrinko.
00:00:08.080 --> 00:00:09.279
Thanks so much for tuning in.
00:00:09.519 --> 00:00:10.880
Big show again today.
00:00:10.960 --> 00:00:15.279
We'll talk to Maura Sheridan, veteran NWSL broadcaster coming up next segment.
00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.039
But first, we have a blowout Kansas City Current win to talk about, the second in a row.
00:00:21.280 --> 00:00:27.839
Two kind of must-win games at home, and Kansas City got a four to one win against Denver and a five to one win against BFC.
00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:28.399
Pretty perfect.
00:00:28.640 --> 00:00:31.280
Yeah, back-to-back matches with Hattricks.
00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:35.039
We still think that this was the first time it happened in NWSL play.
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:37.280
We're like 99% sure, right?
00:00:37.359 --> 00:00:38.000
I'll take it.
00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:40.079
Uh but what an exciting time for Kansas City.
00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:45.679
And I recall coming into the Denver match saying this has to be a statement match.
00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:48.640
Kansas City has to let everybody know, no, we are serious.
00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:58.159
We have gotten s over some hurdles, and we are all ducks are in a line in a row and we are heading into this playoff push with momentum, with execution on our mind.
00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:05.120
And and then to see that happen the exact say almost the exact same situation the next week.
00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:12.400
These two matches are really making sure people understand where Casey is mentally and and really physically as well.
00:01:12.480 --> 00:01:15.840
Because look at the injuries that have healed up and people have come back.
00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:19.200
Um look how many people are finding the back of the goal.
00:01:19.519 --> 00:01:21.120
What an what a performance.
00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:22.560
And two of them back to back.
00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:29.040
I know Chris Armist has to be happy with this consistency, not only of the offense, but of just taking all the points that they deserved.
00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:33.519
I think the only thing Coach Armist probably isn't happy with is that they conceded first again, right?
00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:35.680
And it's funny we talked about it last week on the podcast.
00:01:35.760 --> 00:01:38.000
We talked about it on the pregame show Saturday.
00:01:38.239 --> 00:01:40.239
You're coming off the bullet win against Denver.
00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:42.719
Let's start on the front foot, let's get an early lead.
00:01:42.879 --> 00:01:44.319
It didn't happen, but it didn't matter.
00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:46.799
It seems like it doesn't matter for this team if they fall behind.
00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:48.480
It's crazy, right?
00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:54.640
It is not uh, you know, putting my coaching hat on for a second, certainly not the scenario that you'd prefer your team to start.
00:01:54.799 --> 00:01:56.159
Was it the first seven minutes?
00:01:56.640 --> 00:01:56.959
Fourth minute.
00:01:57.200 --> 00:01:58.159
Fourth minute, excuse me.
00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:05.040
Uh now we did kind of watch tape back and understand like there was a little bit of a breakdown, the sun was in the eyes of Lorena.
00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:10.719
It was a really well-done job from forward Carly Lima, but still, you just don't want to give that up.
00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:20.240
But the way this team responded, the way that they came back, they leveled the score before going into half, and then bam, come out of half, just let Debina cook.
00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:25.919
30 minutes to put away three goals, and then oh, Shawinga will join the goal party as well.
00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:28.319
What a phenomenal performance from Kansas City.
00:02:28.479 --> 00:02:28.960
It was amazing.
00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:31.199
And like you said, it's back-to-back hat tricks.
00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:37.360
The current has had three regular season hat tricks in the team's history, and two of the three have come in the last 10 days.
00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:39.199
Like it's just crazy how that's happened.
00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:42.719
Like you said, this time it was Dabinia, it was Haley Hopkins last week.
00:02:43.039 --> 00:02:45.840
Did you have a favorite goal out of the three Dabinia goals?
00:02:46.159 --> 00:02:46.479
Okay.
00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:50.479
Uh, as I replay them all, this first one was so smooth.
00:02:50.879 --> 00:03:00.639
It was so sick that the way that I mean, and then this is like I know I keep saying vintage Shawinga because she did go away for a little due to injury due to travel and come back.
00:03:00.800 --> 00:03:03.199
But this is like classic Dabinia for me.
00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:06.719
This is smooth on the ball, cheeky roll the ball.
00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:10.159
So anytime you're you're doing that, a forward is able to roll the ball.
00:03:10.240 --> 00:03:12.879
That you're not sure what pace is coming next.
00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:16.240
And so as a defender, as a goalkeeper, she essentially froze them.
00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:22.400
And she just smooth, rolled that ball, took her body and her shoulders to the left, opened her hip, put it to the right.
00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:24.080
Oh, it was amazing.
00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:38.960
Uh, that's probably my favorite, but I can't get over the fact that it was two header goals from our five foot one forward, actually playing midfielder at the at the moment, but uh, and then the Sellies on the second and third goal, just chef's kiss.
00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:40.560
We talked about it last week.
00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:48.800
It's gonna be a tough decision for Coach Chris Armas when everybody's healthy, and I think there's a lot of hopes Croy Bethune is ready to go after the international break.
00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:51.759
And you would think Showing is starting for sure.
00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:52.240
Yeah.
00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:54.080
You would think Cooper's starting for sure.
00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:54.400
Yeah.
00:03:54.560 --> 00:04:02.800
And then you have two spots, and you have Croy Bethune who's tied for the league lead and assists, you have Haley Hopkins who just had a hat trick, and Dabini who just had a hat trick.
00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:05.439
Theoretically, someone might be sitting down in that scenario.
00:04:05.520 --> 00:04:05.919
It's crazy.
00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:14.319
Yeah, I mean, I guess there's always a possibility to tinker with the situation, add in an extra maybe a double ten situation.
00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:15.840
There are some options.
00:04:15.919 --> 00:04:31.839
However, I think going to Utah, which is where Kansas City will travel on October 17th, I'm not sure that's the time to tinker with uh tactical lineups, but to your point, there's so much talent, and this is a problem that Kansas City has had in the past.
00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:34.240
We always talked about champagne problems, right?
00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:39.040
Um, but this one is almost so specific to the position, that 10 position, right?
00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:42.240
And where to put Dabina, Croy, Haley Hopkins.
00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:47.839
So I'm glad it's Coach Armist that's making this decision because I when we talk about this, we kind of go back and forth.
00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:59.600
And I was like, no, I'm gonna bring Hopkins in off the bench because I know that's almost like bringing in a goal, but I it's so hard, it's so difficult to figure out what is the the best 11, what is the best front three there.
00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:01.120
There's just so much talent from Kansas City.
00:05:01.360 --> 00:05:11.439
Your idea though about the two attacking midfielders is really interesting because the current just scored four goals and five goals with one attacking midfielder, and you kind of wonder well, how many could they score if they have two?
00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:19.120
Yeah, and maybe they give up another goal or two, but it's crazy to think about what this offense is just with one attacking midfielder.
00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:20.000
So exactly.
00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:24.000
And and you know, what's the best defense is offense.
00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:26.160
Keep the ball, keep the possession, right?
00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:32.000
So if you have the numbers there, but right, you know, obviously heading into or Utah, and we'll talk about them in a little bit.
00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:40.319
But um maybe if you're at home, maybe and you're at Kansas City and you feel confident enough to, hey, let's try some things that change it up a little bit.
00:05:40.399 --> 00:05:43.680
You have that almost extra edge being at CPKC Stadium.
00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:44.800
So who knows?
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:46.319
Like I said, we're not making the call.
00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:47.600
Thank goodness it's Armis.
00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:48.560
Um, but we'll see.
00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:51.759
But bottom line, so much talent in this offensive unit.
00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:57.040
Haley Hopkins also had a goal in the match, ended up being the equalizer the current needed right before halftime.
00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:05.519
And then there was a classic Temois Shawinga goal late in the match that put this game on ice, ended up being a huge win, five to one blowout for the Kansas City Current.
00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:13.120
All right, and we have one more perspective to share their thoughts on the Kansas City win over Bay FC, and that is, of course, Maura Sheridan.
00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:19.360
She is a veteran sports broadcaster and one of the most recognizable voices in NWSL play by play.
00:06:19.519 --> 00:06:20.560
Maura joins the show now.
00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:22.000
Maura, thanks so much for joining us.
00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:23.279
We know that you called the match.
00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:24.399
Great job, by the way.
00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:26.319
It was so exciting, so that's fun.
00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:31.600
Um, what were your general takeaway thoughts about this big victory for Kansas City?
00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:33.439
Well, yeah, thanks for having me on.
00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:39.040
I think my takeaways were goals galore, and that's really been the story for Kansas City, especially at home.
00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:44.480
In the last two games, nine goals, and I I didn't think that there was going to be another hat trick back to back.
00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:52.480
I'm not sure how many times that's happened in NWSL history, but to see Hopkins do it last week and Dabinia do it this time around it all in one half, it was incredible.
00:06:52.560 --> 00:06:59.279
And I mean, CPKC Stadium, it's just nobody has been able to beat this Kansas City team there uh this year.
00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:07.120
So it's funny, and from what we know, it's the first time in NWSL history a team has had back-to-back hat tricks, and you mentioned the goals galore.
00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:13.759
The current right now sits with a plus ten goal differential, but if we go back two games ago, it was plus three.
00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:18.480
So as we look to the playoffs, that's something that could really benefit them in terms of the tiebreaker.
00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:22.879
And before we move on, I want to ask you about what you see from the current in terms of their playoff potential.
00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:35.839
Now, they haven't clinched a spot yet, but I mean, do they strike you as the type of team that could maybe make a run like we saw Gotham do last year, where Gotham sneaks in and then they catch fire and they get healthy at the right time and they go all the way to the championship?
00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:43.199
I mean, when you look at this roster and just the caliber of players, it it would be hard to believe that they would miss out on the postseason.
00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:45.120
So I would imagine this team gets in.
00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:49.839
I think the question is where do they get in and can they earn a home playoff game?
00:07:49.920 --> 00:07:52.560
Because that's how tight things are in the table right now.
00:07:52.800 --> 00:07:56.319
Kansas City was fighting for a position to get into the spot before this game.
00:07:56.399 --> 00:07:57.439
Now they're in fifth place.
00:07:57.600 --> 00:08:02.079
And so if they just keep this up, they could get a playoff game at CPKC Stadium.
00:08:02.160 --> 00:08:04.639
And I know they want revenge from what happened there last year.
00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:06.240
Um, this is a team with U.S.
00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:09.519
Women's National Team talent, Dabinia, Showinga.
00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:10.879
I mean, the list goes on and on.
00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:13.839
I just can't imagine that Kansas City doesn't get in.
00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:21.199
It's just about positioning now, but they still have to be careful because there are teams like Seattle, North Carolina all looming beneath them.
00:08:21.519 --> 00:08:24.639
And that brings us to uh week 24 results.
00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:26.560
It was a little bit chaotic.
00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:29.920
Uh we saw three games with five or more goals.
00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:33.440
We saw teams dropping points that probably no one expected.
00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:38.159
Uh Kansas City found their way up to the fifth spot, and what was it, Portland down to the seven?
00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:43.840
What were some of the biggest takeaways for you just from in regard and just week 24 in general?
00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:49.120
I think that Portland result's pretty concerning for the Thorns because yes, you lose to Boston Legacy.
00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:51.279
We see it in this league all the time.
00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:52.879
Teams play spoiler.
00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:55.440
It there's no easy games in the NWSL.
00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:59.200
It's more that Sophia Wilson got a red card and she has 13 goals this season.
00:08:59.279 --> 00:09:05.600
So to not have her in the next game, that's concerning for a Portland team, as you mentioned, that's dropped in the table.
00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:10.960
And that would be a tough team to imagine, not in the postseason as well in the NWSL.
00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:17.519
And then for North Carolina, they're just hovering above that playoff line to create some separation in a win over Seattle.
00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:21.759
And I know former uh Kansas City current player Gianna Paul with the game winner in that one.
00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:25.279
So those are the two big results that I was keeping an eye on.
00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:34.799
And North Carolina to have Ashley Santos score 20 goals and not make the postseason would be absolutely shocking, but they are just right there above that playoff line.
00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:39.440
So speaking of the playoff line and the standings, the top three have separated themselves a little bit.
00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:41.759
It looks like Gotham's probably gonna get the shield.
00:09:41.919 --> 00:09:43.840
San Diego clinched, Washington clinched.
00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:48.320
Utah is there in fourth, only two points ahead of the current, and that's the next current opponent as well.
00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:48.960
So that's interesting.
00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:53.279
If Kansas City can win that game after the break, they would leap up into fourth place.
00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:54.799
Not to say that's an easy game.
00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:55.919
It certainly is not.
00:09:56.159 --> 00:10:05.120
Then the current at 44 in fifth place, like you said, Angel City 43, Portland 43, North Carolina 42, and Seattle just two points out.
00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:06.799
Denver still in it as well.
00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:11.679
They're playing really well, other than that loss to Kansas City a couple weeks ago, 38 points.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:15.679
How do you think it shakes out in terms of the last couple teams to sneak in?
00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:24.480
Is there a team you feel strongly about, or maybe a team that you think might miss out, or how do you think these last couple spots will shake out here now with just three games left?
00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:29.039
It's hard because it is pretty much based on scheduling now.
00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:34.080
I I my hot take is I think Angel City is going to get a top four spot right now, just the way they're playing.
00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:35.840
They're on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:40.639
I feel like this is a side that we've just been waiting for to click and they are peaking at the right time.
00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:52.639
When you look at some of the schedule, I think Seattle has an easier run to the postseason than North Carolina, which again would be so shocking the way North Carolina's been playing, especially after the international break.
00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:55.679
But North Carolina has some really tough opponents coming up next.
00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:56.960
And so I'm not sure.
00:10:57.039 --> 00:11:00.240
I I it's between those two, I would say, for the final spot.
00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.159
Denver has a little bit more work to do.
00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:07.840
They would have to pretty much win out to make the postseason, but again, don't count them out.
00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:10.720
But it's between those three for that final spot.
00:11:10.799 --> 00:11:12.320
That's that's the way I view it.
00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:16.799
Yeah, things are starting to get a little chaotic, which I know I love.
00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:24.720
Um love a good year where the shield isn't outright won, except for I did love last year when Kansas City won it outright.
00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:26.720
Um, but yeah, the race is fun.
00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:31.840
Um, this time of year, other awards also enter the conversations, right?
00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:37.039
So we having you here, we'd like to get your thought on potential rookie of the year award winners.
00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:42.799
We saw this month rookie of the year, rookie of the month was Jordan Dudley out of Gotham.
00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:45.200
She's, I think, picked up the second nominee there.
00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:47.759
Um, second rookie of the month nominee.
00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:48.480
What are your thoughts?
00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:52.080
There's some really great young talent across the NWSL this year.
00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:52.879
There is.
00:11:52.960 --> 00:12:00.559
It's been so fun, especially to if you follow the college game to follow these players into the league as well here in the US.
00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:03.360
I think it's between three, in my opinion.
00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:08.559
Kat Raider, it's hard to deny she has 10 goals and the rookie record in this league is 11.
00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:13.120
So just in terms of output of what she's done with the Houston Dash, I think she would be the favorite.
00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:15.840
Jordan Dudley, though, is an eye-test player.
00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:24.480
She doesn't have the numbers necessarily, but when you watch her play, there's absolutely no doubt that she is a huge part of that Gotham team that, again, looks like they're going to win the shield.
00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:32.639
And I think just her defensive work as a forward has been incredibly impressive, so much so that I just feel like she'll be in a U.S.
00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:35.039
women's national team camp coming up soon.
00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:45.759
And then I think my other candidate would be Mimi Van Zanten with San Diego, another player that's a really hard roster to break into, that's a hard starting 11 to break into, and she's undeniable.
00:12:45.919 --> 00:12:47.200
They have to start her every game.
00:12:47.279 --> 00:12:50.799
I've seen her, some of the best wingers in the league have had trouble with Mimi Van Zant.
00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:51.679
So that would be my three.
00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:54.720
And I think Van Zanten's a dark horse candidate there.
00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:57.360
But I do imagine Raider will win.
00:12:57.600 --> 00:12:57.759
Okay.
00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:01.039
Before we let you go, I'd love to ask you about the MVP conversation.
00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:07.759
Obviously, we're coming off Tem Washiwinga winning back-to-back MVPs, even though her stats per 90 minutes this year are still incredible.
00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:11.120
Probably not in the conversation because she's missed a lot of time.
00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:17.840
Um, is there anyone that can give Ashley Sanchez a run for her money, or do you think it's already kind of a close conversation?
00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:20.240
I think it has to be Sanchez.
00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:24.399
I think people love a good story too with MVP, and Sanchez is a great story.
00:13:24.559 --> 00:13:27.600
A player that, you know, has been on the U.S.
00:13:27.679 --> 00:13:40.799
woman's national team in years past and has been left off those rosters time and time again, and then all of a sudden just emerges out of nowhere with North Carolina and has the best season, not just of her career, she's tripling numbers from years past.
00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:44.240
It's been, this is a player we watch really grow up in the NWSL.
00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:46.480
So I am it it has to be Sanchez.
00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:56.799
I would say Sophia Wilson, though, is maybe my number two just in terms of coming back from maternity leave and scoring 13 goals with the Thorns.
00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:58.240
It's been unbelievable.
00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:00.080
The way she's made her teammates look better.
00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:04.000
I think she's elevated Pietra Tordan as well with that Thorns side.
00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:11.039
And Chloe Lacasse, I think, with Utah has had an unbelievable season as well, 10 assists on the year.
00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:19.840
Um I know that's tied with Bethune and Tordan and all these players that are also having incredible seasons, but Lacasse has also emerged to me as an MVP candidate as well.
00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:20.399
Yeah.
00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:22.000
Great stuff, Maura.
00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:23.679
We certainly appreciate you joining.
00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:26.080
Now you're gonna take an international break, right?
00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:28.480
And then you'll get back on the call the following weekend.
00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.919
I'm sure we'll have you.
00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:33.519
Um, do you have any more Kansas City matches in the regular season?
00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:35.519
Uh, I think I have decision day.
00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:37.360
So that might be very important.
00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:39.200
Racing Louisville, final game.
00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:41.519
Ah, maybe we should bother you then as well.
00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:42.000
No.
00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.120
Uh appreciate the time.
00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:45.679
We're really, really uh enjoyed your conversation today.
00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:46.799
Thank you so much for joining us.
00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:48.559
Thanks so much for having me.
00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.200
All right.
00:14:49.279 --> 00:14:51.039
Thanks to Maura Sheridan for joining us.
00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:53.519
And now let's take a look at women's soccer around the globe.
00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:57.679
Lots of KC current players out right now called into their respective national teams.
00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:03.039
Lorena with Brazil, Temoishawinga with Malawi, Rocky Rodriguez with Costa Rica.
00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:03.679
How about this?
00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:05.120
A call in for Laney Rouse.
00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.240
That was great to see U.S.
00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:08.240
women's national team under 23.
00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:10.080
And the rookie really deserved it.
00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:10.879
She's been playing great.
00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.480
I'm so happy for Lainey Rouse.
00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:16.559
I think this is huge, and I think it's a reflection of how she is playing for Kansas City.
00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:20.159
Uh obviously, we saw her out with a red card, unfortunately, in the game before that.
00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.440
She looked really, really good.
00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:25.120
Uh had a little bit of an injury previously, but uh we were chatting.
00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:33.279
I thought she was in the mix of Rookie of the Year, Rookie of the Year's NWSL based off of her contributions before the injury and missing a few matches.
00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:38.399
But huge shout for Lainey Rouse and really excited to see what she'll do in that camp.
00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:43.759
And along those lines, you know, we know Emma Hayes wants the development there.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:47.120
So this is not just a, you know, oh, it's a great call-up.
00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:52.720
Like this is an opportunity to develop, and this is an opportunity to show what she can do and get in the mixture and get in that environment.
00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.960
So this is maybe first of many to come.
00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:58.879
The other call-in for the Casey Current is Michelle Cooper back with the U.S.
00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:00.720
senior women's national team.
00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:03.200
They've come off recently a couple games down in Brazil.
00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.879
Now there's a couple games against Spain.
00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:06.399
This is a big test for Team USA.
00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.799
Do you see this as a World Cup final preview?
00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:09.919
What kind of challenge is this?
00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:15.120
I just think it's the ultimate preparation match going into the World Cup.
00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:20.240
So FIFA ranked number one Spain, FIFA ranked number two USA.
00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.600
Let's go see.
00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:27.360
They get two matches in DC on Saturday the 10th, in Philly on Tuesday the 13th.
00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:28.080
I'm so excited.
00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:29.440
I'm gonna be at both matches.
00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:37.679
Um but this is huge for them, and this is huge for Emma Hayes as she is finalizing that roster, obviously, just months before the World Cup.
00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:39.919
So really big opportunity for Cooper.
00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:44.799
We've seen her do amazing things with the US women's national team and is truly thriving in that environment.
00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:46.399
So it's really exciting.
00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:56.480
Um, and then of course, you know, any like NWSL in general, about a hundred players across the league were called in in this specific camp.
00:16:56.559 --> 00:17:02.159
So I just think that also shows a the talent in NWSL and how it's growing and evolving.
00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:06.160
Kansas City has some time to kind of sit on these back-to-back wins.
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:10.240
I guess in some ways you wouldn't want the break right now because Kansas City is so hot.
00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:10.960
You know, we'll see.
00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:12.400
Hopefully they can keep that momentum.
00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:15.279
But we do have a couple weeks now to analyze the next game.
00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:20.960
KC Current at the Utah Royals, Saturday, October 17th, 5 30 p.m.
00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:22.240
Central Time.
00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:37.680
It's one of those games that if Kansas City wins, and I know we were talking about scenarios off the air, if Kansas City wins and Seattle loses or ties, Kansas City will essentially wrap up a playoff spot because they have such a huge tiebreaker advantage over Seattle with the goal differential.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:40.559
Right now, Seattle's plus one, Kansas City's plus ten.
00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:44.640
So there's a chance Kansas City could kind of seal their playoff fate.
00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:47.119
Now going to win at Utah is not an easy thing.
00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:47.599
Yeah.
00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:50.720
Give us your thoughts here, two weeks out on what this matchup looks like.
00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:53.200
It is so hard because we do have the break.
00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:56.079
Uh, but let's say that it was normal and it was this weekend, right?
00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:58.000
And let's just play it out that way.
00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:02.319
Um, Utah did not have a great performance in their last NWSL match.
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:08.160
So just seconds away from dropping points to Louisville, a team that's not in the the playoff picture.
00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.599
I know that surprised me.
00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:12.079
I know we were kind of watching it like, what is happening?
00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:16.720
You know, um, but they were really seconds away from a a surprise defeat at Louisville.
00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:22.640
Um so I I think they've been up until this match, they were pretty consistent.
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.000
And you have to look at this.
00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:27.599
In my opinion, you step back and look at Utah Royals, they were an expansion team.
00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:33.920
This final four, top eight, this is not a place that they're they've been at years and years and years.
00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:37.359
This is not a you know tradition of excellence type of situation.
00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:44.480
So I think they probably have a little more motivation than other teams at the moment, just saying, we've got to get in, we've got to break into that top four.
00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:46.640
Let's for the first time host a playoff game.
00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:48.079
Like that would be huge for this club.
00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:52.400
So I think they're gonna come in upset with the lost points at Louisville.
00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:55.519
And I think they're gonna come in with a little bit of extra motivation.
00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:59.839
We wanna get into that top four, we wanna stay into that top four and host a game.
00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:01.519
So I think it's gonna be tough.
00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:05.519
Um, old friend Cece Kaiser is doing really well over there.
00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:09.119
Um, you know, Kate Delfava, another old friend, just got called into.
00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:16.000
She was an overage player at the USU-23s, but then Naomi Gurma unfortunately took an injury.
00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:20.240
So uh Kate Delfava will be with the first team in this camp.
00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.640
So, I mean, there's a lot of talented players across the pitch.
00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:25.920
Paige Cronin as well, captain, doing some great things for them.
00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:37.519
Um, and Jimmy Coonarets has an organized team, and they have been very methodical about the slow development, not kind of doing easy things, um, really coming together as a squad.
00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:40.640
They don't have a lot of flashy players, but they really are a team.
00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:49.599
So it's it's gonna be a tough match, I think, for Kansas City to go there in this situation where Utah might have a little bit of extra motivation coming off a tough lot, a tough result.
00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:55.039
You got some altitude to deal with, although the one game the current played at altitude this year was probably their best road game, right?
00:19:55.119 --> 00:20:02.000
They went out and clobbered Denver, but it hasn't been necessarily smooth sailing for Kansas City away from CPKC Stadium this year.
00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:06.880
So I wouldn't expect Kansas City to go out and win five to one, for example, like we just saw against Bay FC.
00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:12.799
So, what what's the formula for the current to try to replicate their home form on the road against a good Utah team?
00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:13.680
It's not gonna be easy.
00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.680
No, and it's such a good question and such a good point.
00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:18.000
And we've heard Coach Armist talk about this before.
00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:24.160
Why not go into other environments with the confidence that you enter your own in?
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:28.000
And we saw it a couple of times, but we haven't seen it enough of this squad.
00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:29.200
So and it is difficult.
00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:32.000
Um, CPKC fans are irreplaceable.
00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:34.240
That environment is one of one, right?
00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:36.559
And this team benefits that from that, and they know that.
00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:45.759
But Armis is all about believing that we believe that we deserve to be here, believing in each other, believing in the talent and coming together and executing the game plan.
00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:49.119
So I think it is really gonna be uh mental for Kansas City.
00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:54.000
It's gotta be a lot of coming ready to play, uh ready to just take care of business.
00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:55.519
Go in, take care of business, and get out.
00:20:55.759 --> 00:21:01.359
You know, Utah's a team I think mo the most in the league, they've scored in all but three matches.
00:21:01.599 --> 00:21:03.039
So they know how to score goals.
00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:07.599
Kansas City, we've seen drop points here and there, drop goals here and there.
00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:14.880
Um definitely would like to see some stingy defense and shut them down, but obviously uh they've got to put them away to take the points.
00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:21.680
So it's gonna be um it's gonna be a whole team needing to show up, take care of business, no hesitation.
00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:25.599
Um going down against Utah at Utah would be difficult.
00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:30.640
So let's hope Kansas City doesn't follow suit of the past couple matches, and let's hope that they start strong.
00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:36.640
It would be difficult, but I think I'm done saying the current needs to score first, quote unquote, because clearly they don't.
00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:41.759
It's nine times this year at home now they've come from behind to de avoid defeat.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:44.319
It's second most in a season in NWSL history.
00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:48.240
The all-time record is ten times in a season, a team has come from behind to avoid defeat.
00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:50.720
So this team has some uh real grid.
00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:54.319
Yeah, and it's a stat that we don't w want to celebrate.
00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:57.119
True, but it is a stat that speaks volumes.
00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:59.599
To your point, they are a gritty, resilient bunch.
00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:02.400
Um and they have a winning mentality.
00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:05.200
No matter what the situation is, we're down a goal.
00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.799
All right, we're gonna come back and win.
00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:12.480
And so I think uh, you know, when you look at the squad last year and they never had to do that, I don't think.
00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:14.079
Uh certainly not this many times.
00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:16.400
Uh, there may have been one or two times that they went down.
00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.799
However, night and day different.
00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:25.440
And I think a team that's going through the adversity that Kansas City has gone through, that's only gonna make them more dangerous in the playoffs.
00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:26.319
And hey, I'll take that.
00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:28.160
And we can get into more next week.
00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.119
Really a breakdown.
00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.799
Tactics, players, keys to the game.
00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:34.079
Hopefully, we'll have an update on Croix Bethune so we can get to that more next week.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.359
But it'll be a huge game either way.
00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:37.680
Yeah, of course, everybody takes this break.
00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:53.680
And my only kind of question I think would be for the players that are playing either internationally or the players who are playing a game on that Tuesday the thirteenth, how quickly can they get back in the environment and then rest and then prepare for this match on Saturday?
00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.720
And that's gonna be a question.
00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:56.079
We don't know that answer just yet.
00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:58.720
Um, but it is something to think about moving into the other.
00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:03.440
Theoretically, it's easier for Michelle Cooper who's not going as far as Tem Wishawinga, right?
00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:06.000
So like that could be it could be different from player to player.
00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:11.759
And you know, you always have to think, okay, maybe Cooper plays the Saturday match for US and not the Tuesday match, and then she'd be fine.
00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:18.640
And maybe, you know, it's seamless, but there's everyone's handling that kind of challenge at the moment, right?
00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:20.799
We said a hundred NWSL players are gone.
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.039
So um it's just part of this.
00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.839
It's part of the NWSL schedule.
00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:34.400
And these I mean, these athletes are professional, these these coaches plan for this, and so there's so much set in place to make this a successful transition back.
00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:39.680
Um, let's just pray that everyone gets home safe and and then they can start preparing for their next match.
00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:46.880
Get home safe, avoid injuries, the players that are staying here get some rest, and hopefully the current can pick up where they left off on October 17th.
00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:47.920
It should be interesting.
00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:49.200
That'll do it for us.
00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.519
Thanks so much for tuning in to the current situation.
00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:53.119
We'll talk to you next week.
