(Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)
Only a couple hours before the NWSL Challenge Cup, against the Houston Dash, Kansas City Current Head Coach Matt Potter was relieved of his duties. The Current's official release noted that “issues around his leadership and employment responsibilities” were the main reasoning, but not much additional information has been released other than a statement from the General Manager of the Current, Camille Ashton. "We watch the play on the pitch, we keep a pulse on the locker room, and we are constantly evaluating ways to improve our club. Through our ongoing process of continuous improvement, we believe now is the right time for this change."
Assistant Coach Caroline Sjöblom has since been given the responsibilities of interim head coach for now, as there is no official timeline for a replacement.
Potter was in his second season with the Current, who have had a rough start to their season with a -6 goal differential, 11th in the league currently, ranked just above the Orlando Pride. Expectations were high going into the season considering they went to finals last season, losing to the Portland Thorns who have so far secured themselves as the leader in this season's standings so far. The off season had lots of major signings, including free agent Débora Cristiane de Oliveira, also just known as Debinha.
Based on the GMs statement though it seems that the concern stems much deeper than on the field performance. An instance that could shine some light on deeper rooted issues is the reported mistreatment of NWSL 2023 draft pick Mykiaa Minniss.
A few weeks ago Mykiaa Minniss’s mother tweeted about some major mistreatment of her daughter while beginning training with the Current before she was waived “with no feedback or reasoning provided.” according to her mother.
Mykiaa was picked up by the Orlando Pride for a few days but has since stepped away so she can prioritize her mental health.
The NWSL Player Association provided a statement to the Kansas City Star reporter Daniel Sperry “We take Mykiaa’s concerns and that of her family very seriously. We are actively looking into it. NWSL reached out immediately, and there will be a prompt and thorough inquiry.” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has also been made aware of the situation and is working with the NWSLPA Executive Director, Meghann Burke, and Kansas City Current owners, Angie and Chris Long, on this situation.
Hopefully this release is the Current's way of working to make positive change within their club. With no official timeline released on the teams hiring plan it will be interesting to see the development of the team on and off the pitch over the next few weeks. The addition of the NWSL expansion teams in Utah and the Bay Area may make the coaching market a bit competitive as the Current begin an official search, but only time will tell.
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