After a near last-place finish during the 2023 NWSL season, Kansas City Current are off to their best start in franchise history. The club is unbeaten through six games, with a new coaching staff, new international players, new rookies, and a brand new stadium — the first ever built for an NWSL team. In between all the newness of Kansas City’s many keys to early success include major performances by their veteran players.
Where to watch
Date: Sunday, May 5 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Shell Energy Stadium — Houston, Texas
TV: CBS | Live Stream: Paramount+
Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo has been in the league since 2014, previously drafted by her “hometown” team, Chicago Red Stars. After nearly a decade with Chicago, the Naperville, IL native signed a new contract with the Current as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season. The offseason excitement quickly wore off as she had to manage a concussion injury throughout her first year with Kansas City, and the long grind of a losing season.
“I think our mentality from the beginning was like, ‘let’s just take this season one game at a time, long season.’ There’s lots of games. If we can just focus on the next game that’s in front of us and learn from the previous game, and what we can do to be successful in the next game,” said DiBernardo
“It’s been really great for us because we’re not looking too far forward. We’re not looking at our past success because that’s now over. So, what can we do to learn from our past, but be ready for that next game is kind of just where I think our mind and energy is going.”
She notes that her own preparation for this season was very different. Her personal goals were simplified. Not just getting healthy, but feeling healthy. Wanting to feel good and play consistently again, to build her fitness and get games on the pitch again.
“My mindset after my injury last year kind of like shifted. I just realized…
