FC Kansas City Looks to Play Spoiler in Final Road Trip of the Season

KANSAS CITY (September 24, 2024) – FC Kansas City returns to action after the international break to take on the Seattle Reign in their final matchup of the season and their penultimate match on Sunday, September 24th in Seattle, WA.

FCKC is coming off a 0-0 draw against the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL Lifetime Game of the Week on September 9th while Seattle is trying to earn three points after stealing one against the Orlando Pride on September 7th.

The Blues, (7-9-6, 27 pts) are out of playoff contention, but can determine the fate of the Reign (8-7-7, 31 pts) who sit at 5th, just outside the postseason. The previous two matches this year have both ended in draws, the first was a 2-2 draw on June 15th at home and then a 1-1 draw the week after on the road.

Seattle is led by midfielder Megan Rapinoe, who has 12 goals on the season, defender Lauren Barnes and midfielder Christine Nairn who both have reached the century mark in games played this past season. Those three with the addition of Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams will make the Reign hungry for a playoff spot.

Standing in their way is FCKC, led by goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart and a back-four that consists of seasoned veterans in Becca Moros, Becky Sauerbrunn, Yael Averbuch and Brittany Kolmel (formerly Brittany Taylor), in addition to rookie Sydney Miramontez. Kolmel will once again be available for selection, after being excused for the previous game versus Chicago for her wedding. 

The midfield for Kansas City is anchored by defensive pair Desiree Scott and Christina Gibbons. Gibbons, who was drafted fifth overall in January, started the season out in the defense before being moved to the midfield in July and has been there ever since.

The Blues’ attacking force has been on fire scoring 9 goals in the past 4 games. Sydney Leroux leads FCKC in goals on the year with six with Shea Groom and Maegan Kelly behind her both at four. Groom leads the team in assists with six and Lo’eau LaBonta notched her first two goals and two assists of her career in the past few games.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT, 8 p.m. CT, and can be streamed on go90.com or on the go90 app which is available for download at the app store on iOS and Android devices.

FC Kansas City's final game of the season is at home on October 1st at 5pm against the Houston Dash. Tickets can be purchased here.

Game Preview, Team NewsBryn Raschke