FC Kansas City vs Western New York Flash
FC Kansas City continues their road trip with a stop in Rochester, N. Y. on May 11 to visit the Western New York Flash. The Flash has had over a week to prepare as they try to stop Kansas City’s undefeated streak. Last week the Flash earned their first win on the season. In front of their home crowd, they handed Sky Blue their first loss, 2-1. FC Kansas City is visiting New York for the first time after winning both games in a home-and-home series against the Seattle Reign.
Last week, Western New York’s star forward, Abby Wambach returned from her concussion with four shots and the game-winning goal for her side. While Wambach sets the pace for her side, FC Kansas City forward Renae Cuellar is making a name for herself in the new league as well. Cuellar is tied with Wambach for second with twelve shots each, six of them on goal.
Cuellar had her first game-winning goal last week against Seattle and kept her scoring streak alive. She has scored a goal in every game this season for Kansas City. The Mexican International is second in the league with three goals scored.
Kansas City’s defense has been solid this season as well. The ‘Blues’ are the only team that have yet to allow a goal in run-of-play, the lone goal allowed via penalty kick in the first game. Last week, Seattle was held to only four shots on goal. Nicole Barnhart, goalkeeper for the ‘Blues’, was able to stop every one of them earning her a second consecutive shutout. She leads the league with a current shutout streak of 203 minutes; the second longest current streak runs in at 76 minutes.
Kansas City’s Jen Buczkowski and Desiree Scott will have their hands full with Wambach, known for her spectacular play and ability to score at will, as displayed at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games held in London. Another offensive threat for the Flash could be making her debut for the team this week as U.S. National Team player Carli Lloyd returns from injury.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:35p.m. CT on Saturday May 11th and will be broadcast online at FCKansasCity.com. Fans are invited to the home of the Official Watch Party, Futbol Club KC. The city’s only soccer themed restaurant is located at 12030 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park. The ‘Blues’ will be back in town for a home game, Saturday May 18 at 7:35p.m. CT against the Boston Breakers.
