A Celebratory September at CPKC

In all honesty, I sat down and wondered what to say about this match that hasn’t already been said before. The Current’s rotation, spot on. Temwa’s resilience, in full display with yet ANOTHER 2-0 game-killing goal at the death. Records broken on the defensive end, which papers over the fact that plenty of chances were missed on the offensive end. Another clean sheet, another 2-0 Current win, another step forward on the march to the Shield. Not much more to say about what’s happened in the past. Let’s have a little chat about the immediate future.

I’ve got a printed KC Current schedule that is eye level with me every time I look at my refrigerator. The home games are highlighted in red, and the away games are highlighted in blue. For months, I’ve looked at this big bunch of red on the schedule and got excited. A three game home stand in September, my favorite month of the year. “Regular appointments at CPKC Stadium” I thought to myself a few months ago, but boy did I have no idea. This would be a carnival.

Barring a serious level of underperformance - the Kansas City Current will clinch the NWSL Shield during this three game home stand. The trophy will be celebrated at home with the fans, and with plenty of time to spare. This team deserves no less - we are witnessing one of the greatest teams that this league has ever seen.

Should the Washington Spirit drop points today, and San Diego Wave drop points in one of their next two fixtures (which works out perfectly, timing-wise, as they play before KC next match week) - Kansas City lifts the Shield if they beat Washington. A draw would only delay the moment until the Current’s next win, while a loss would only delay the inevitable.

Thousands of Teal Town’s finest will be making their march into the River Market and into CPKC Stadium on a regular basis. They’re hungry for this moment - the first proper trophy lift as the Kansas City Current. This team of warriors have endeared themselves so much to the community, and they are on the precipice of tasting success. We will be there to help get them over the line.

The senior leadership at this soccer club has never been shy about their goals and ambitions - we are here to build the best club in the world, in the heartland of America. Fans have met them halfway - building a supporters group from the ground up, filling the stadium week after week, playing our roles in creating a truly special environment for everyone to thrive in. Last year, this team was one game away from playing for a championship in their own stadium. This year, it’s only apropos that the celebration of the first major trophy of the season kicks off at home, and carries on for the rest of the season.

They’ve done it while dancing and celebrating, they’ve done it while breaking through on the international stage, they’ve done it while breaking barriers and breaking records. Synergies have been found between women born half a world away from each other, inspiration has been seen in the eyes and the smiles of the children who are starting a lifelong love affair with a sport. History is being made on a weekly basis.

There will be a little spring in our collective step as we walk across the Town of Kansas Bridge on these crisp September nights, a little buzz in the air as the shuttle takes off and brings a fandom to its hallowed ground. There might be another bump or two along the way; as brilliant as they are, this team is not immune to adversity. Three times this month, the final whistle will blow at CPKC Stadium, and one of those times, one of the major goals set out at the start of the season will be accomplished.

What will it feel like to get over the line? How long will the last supporters stay at the stadium, not letting the moment go? Will there be fireworks amongst the city’s neighborhoods? Will the blissfully ignorant get the feeling that something must have happened?

We march forward, with smiles on our faces.