PREVIEW: FC Kansas City starts its 2024 season Saturday night

KANSAS CITY (April 15, 2024) — Defending National Women’s Soccer League champion FC Kansas City opens its 2024 campaign at 7:30 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park against the Western New York Flash.

The teams met three times last year with FC Kansas City taking a 2-0-1 advantage. The Blues have an overall 3-2-3 lead in the all-time series.

Due to a handful of retirements and two pregnancies, the Blues will have several new faces on the field. They signed all four 2024 NWSL College Draft picks with Katie Bowen, Brianne Reed, Alex Arlitt and Alexa Newfield and traded for a few high-profile starters as well. Some of those include Brittany Taylor, Amanda Frisbie, Tiffany McCarty and Desiree Scott of the Canadian National Team.

The Flash have four federation players and five international roster spots filled. The Americans are Jaelene Hinkle and Samantha Mewis.

The Blues cruised through the preseason with exhibition victories against UMKC, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota. Midfielder Erika Tymrak led the attack with five goals in six games.

Parking lots will open at 4:30 and gates will open at 6 p.m. for the match. Officials at the gates will be using metal detector wands prior to the match.

FC Kansas City will return to Swope Soccer Village on April 23 to take on the Portland Thorns FC at 7:30 p.m.