FC KANSAS CITY LOOKS TO CONTINUE ROAD STREAK

Team is Unbeaten in Last Three Road Matches

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan (July 2, 2024) – After a powerful 2-0 victory over Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, FC Kansas City will travel to Maryland to take on the Washington Spirit. The Wednesday night match will be the second meeting between the two clubs. When the Spirit visited Verizon Wireless Field on June 23rd, Kansas City won 2-0 with two goals from Lauren Cheney. Washington will host the ‘Blues’ after a 4-0 loss against the Western New York Flash on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT in Boyds, Maryland.

GAME NOTES - FC Kansas City vs Washington Spirit

FC Kansas City has been busy on and off the field. The ‘Blues’ played the top two teams in the National Women’s Soccer League standings this past week. A 2-2 draw at Sky Blue FC, then a 2-0 win over Portland at home.  With 23 points, they now sit in third place on the league’s table, only three behind Portland. Off the field, Kansas City acquired forward Tiffany Cameron and traded for midfielder Teresa Noyola from Seattle Reign FC. Included in the trade for Noyola was the Reign’s 2nd round pick in the 2024 College Draft and the rights to defender Nikki Krzysik, while Seattle received forward Renae Cuellar.

On Sunday, the ‘Blues’ faced off against Portland Thorns FC for the third time this season. The developing rivalry already featured a 1-1 draw on the league’s opening night and a 4-3 Portland victory earlier in the month. ‘Blues’ midfielder Lauren Cheney scored the first goal of the match taking the top spot in the NWSL scoring leaderboard from Abby Wambach. Kansas City dominated possession in the first half keeping play in Portland’s half and making numerous plays towards goal. The teams went to the locker rooms for half time with FC Kansas City up 1-0. In the second half, as Portland tried to push forward towards the equalizer, Kansas City defender Leigh Ann Robinson intercepted a Portland clearance pass and pushed it up the field. Robinson’s cross found midfielder Merritt Mathias after being misplayed by Portland goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, scoring Kansas City’s second goal and securing the 2-0 victory.

The Washington Spirit comes off of a 4-0 loss against the Western New York Flash on Friday. United States Women’s National Team allocated midfielder Carli Lloyd scored 2 goals in the first half and went on to complete her hat trick early in the second half. Brittany Taylor of the Flash scored the fourth goal on a pass from Abby Wambach. Following the loss, the teams seventh of the year, Washington replaced their head coach with Mark Parsons.  Parsons previously directed the DC United Women and the Chelsea Ladies Reserves.

Wednesday, the Blues will be playing without Lauren Cheney who scored both of the goals in their previous matchup with the Spirit. She is not with the team as she prepares for her upcoming wedding to NBA player, Jrue Holiday. However, the Washington defense will still have their work cut out for them against the ‘Blues’ offense. The entire offensive side of Kansas City is dangerous; Erika Tymrak has 3 goals while Courtney Jones and Merritt Mathias have each chipped in one of their one. Although the Spirit added Lindsay Taylor to their team this week, they will still have to fight for any opportunities at the Kansas City goal.  With captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Lauren Sesselmann anchoring the middle, and Jen Buczkowski and Desiree Scott cleaning up the midfield, getting offensive pressure is never easy. Spirit goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris will once again have to be at the top of her game to keep her team competitive in this match.

FC Kansas City fans are invited to watch the game at the Futbol Club Eatery and Tap. The soccer-themed restaurant is the Official Watch Party Site of the ‘Blues’. Located at 12030 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park, fans are encouraged to come out and support FC Kansas City. Kick off will be at 6:30 PM CT on Wednesday. Kansas City will return home for a match against Western New York Flash next on Sunday July 7.