WASHINGTON — Just blocks away from Audi Field in Washington, D.C. where the KC Current and Portland Thorns are gearing up for their championship match, fans gathered for a pick-up soccer game.
Before the 7 p.m. CT main event packs in more than 20,000 fans from across the country, a small but mighty KC Current community was looking to make connections.
“Every sport should have something where people can get together and play, even if they are not at the top level,” said fan Jaiden Carolan. “I love the players. I used to play soccer myself, and I really like watching.”
Fans say Saturday's match features two equally determined teams with completely opposite styles.
“The Thorns are very much nuanced and all shiny, and Kansas City comes in and gets it done,” said Lia Pate, a KC Current fan. “Kansas City is great story — from the bottom to the top. It just shows so much grit and determination they have.”
Kansas City's supporters are hopeful the wave of success will continue and the Current will rise to the top.
“Kansas City itself has such a great sports attitude, but the way they are showing up is awesome,” Pate said. “I mean just the buildings in KC lit up in teal, even the newscasters say, 'Let’s go Current.' We don’t get that much in our city — this is the standard we need to set.”
