Matchday 1 of the 2025 NWSL produced some remarkable results, but none quite like what transpired after the KC Current game. Vlatko Andonovski and Co.’s 3-1 triumph over the Portland Thorns was overshadowed by an adorable post-match moment when Ellie Wheeler received a romantic on-pitch proposal from her boyfriend, professional wrestler Roman Bravo-Young. While it may have seemed like everything unfolded perfectly, Wheeler’s teammate Lo’eau LaBonta revealed the ‘pressure‘ involved in making it happen.

In fact, it was so much that the whole team played their NWSL season opener as if it was the last game of their lives. “There was one person that was very surprised,” began the 32-year-old while speaking to The Attacking Third. LaBonta revealed that Wheeler’s boyfriend had to reach out to literally every single person at KC Current, including players and the staff. He shared the plans with all of them, asking for their cooperation.

“All of the players were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we have to win this game.’ There was so much pressure to make this perfect for Ellie,” said the midfielder before adding how Ellie herself could have made the moment more glorious for her. “What would have made it the best is if she would have scored. I think she had one opportunity in the game; last year she scored on the home opener as well.”

Rather, it was her teammates who found the back of the net for the Current. Temwa Chawinga opened the goal fiesta two minutes from kick-off before Michelle Cooper doubled the lead in the 23 minutes. It was almost as if the Thorns forgot they had to defend as the home side made it 3-0 at the half-hour mark, courtesy of Debinha. A consolation was of no use but the Thorns’ Olivia Moultrie found one for her side.

Imagine if Wheeler would have also seen her name on the scoresheet. Oh boy, wouldn’t that have been a dream! Then again, as they say, one can’t always find perfection—almost as if it is impossible to find. Yet, everything turned out exactly as it was meant to be. The Current won the game and dedicated it to Wheeler.

Later, Roman Bravo-Young stole the hearts of everyone by receiving the biggest “Yes!” any man would love to hear from his significant other. So not being able to score isn’t that bad. “But it’s right she’s got a fat ring on that finger now.” added Lo’eau. It was a fairy tale moment, and as congratulations flew in from all over, Bravo-Young’s coach David Taylor also did not waste any time in taking to Instagram and sending the couple his best wishes. “Woohoo! Congrats @romanbravoyoung & @ellie.wheelz,” he wrote.

However, as Wheeler received the best surprise of her life, there was another person in the KC Current camp who was caught completely off-guard by the proposal.

KC Current’s boss was unaware of Ellie Wheeler’s proposal!

In a similar interview, Lo’eau LaBonta revealed that not only was her teammate unaware, but even head coach Vlatko Andonovski had no idea about Ellie Wheeler’s boyfriend’s post-game plans. While LaBonta and others could have informed him, they ultimately chose not to for a significant reason.

The midfielder broke the news to the coach as late as the postgame media session. Naturally, he was shocked. Recalling her explanation to him, she said, “You don’t need the stress of knowing that heading into a game. You could focus on the game, I’ll focus on the players.”

It surely was a good day at the office for KC Current, and especially for Ellie Wheeler, who took the next big step in her life. “It was just an amazing game. That ring just wrapped it up perfectly for us,” concluded LaBonta.

Moving forward, KC Current will face the Washington Spirit in an away fixture on Saturday. Hopefully, this recent proposal serves as a confidence booster for Ellie Wheeler and helps her deliver a strong performance for her team.