The NWSL season has officially kicked off. Expectations are plenty and the USWNT’s recent triumph did add to the soccer craze currently flying about. Matchday one saw KC Current overpower Portland Thorns despite Sophia Smith’s heroics. Also, the game at the newly inaugurated CPKC Stadium saw two special guests.
NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes and his partner and former soccer star Brittany Mahomes were in attendance for the stadium inauguration. And the pair certainly got the crowd talking with their soccer skills.
A lucky break for Patrick Mahomes!
Patrick Mahomes being the superstar that he is, created quite a frenzy among supporters. The NFL superstar was interacting with the fans when Brittany had an interesting idea. She took a soccer ball nearby and passed it in the direction of Patrick’s legs. Her intention was a cheeky nutmeg. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite pay off and the ball hit the quarterback’s legs and rolled away.
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Then Patrick Mahomes proceeded to show some of his soccer moves. The 28-year-old took the deflected ball and played a classy back-heel flick, one that would not look out of place in an actual soccer match and returned the ball to Brittany. With the ball at her feet, she once again made a run toward the NFL star. It looked like she was looking for another nutmeg. However, Patrick kicked the ball away and the pair walked off.
While Patrick Mahomes sizzled off the pitch, the soccer on display wasn’t quite bad. In fact, there were some records made on the day!
A historic opening day for the NWSL!
The match between KC Current and Portland Thorns saw some NWSL records created. Firstly, the match had 9 goals. Only 4 matches previously in the NWSL have seen 9 goals scored. Also, at 16 years and 3 months, Alex Pfeiffer has become the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history! She had come as a second-half substitute and scored in the 68th minute to make it 5 for KC Current.
Janine Beckie and Sophie Smith recorded braces but it ultimately ended up in vain. Also, CPKC Stadium, which is the first-ever dedicated stadium built for an NWSL team, saw a record sellout. With a capacity of nearly 11000, the stadium cost $120 million to design and construct. KC Current inaugurated their stadium with a thrilling win, but going forward they will be looking at more defensively assured performances.
