FC KANSAS CITY LOOKING TO REGAIN WINNING TOUCH
Team Eyeing Third Straight Win Against Seattle Reign
TUKWILA, Wash (June 6, 2024) – After an action filled game in Portland on Thursday, FC Kansas City stops in Seattle to take on the Reign for game two of their three game road swing. The ‘Blues’ will take on Seattle team hoping to for a third straight win over the winless team. Kansas City heads to Starfire Stadium after one of the most exciting matches so far this season. The game in Portland marked a loss for FC Kansas City, but the players fought till the very last minute in what was the highest scoring game in the league this season. Seattle is coming off a 1-0 loss against Portland at home. The match between Kansas City and Seattle will take place in Tukwila, Was. at 9:00 PM Central.
GAME NOTES - FC Kansas City vs Seattle Reign FC
Kansas City’s game against Portland Thursday night was what fans of the National Women’s Soccer League have been hoping for. The match was high energy from kick off till the last whistle. Alex Morgan, allocated star forward for Portland, marked the first goal of the game in the 13th minute, capitalizing on the opportunity to go one-on-one with Nicole Barnhart after defender Becky Sauerbrunn slipped on the turf. After another Portland score, defender Rachel Buehler slid in on Kansas City forward, Renae Cuellar in the 34th minute. Although no caution was issued to Buehler, Lauren Cheney took the resulting penalty kick and put FC Kansas City on the board. Courtney Jones came on in place of Cuellar and helped the ‘Blues’ offense push forward.
After halftime, the teams came back with even more intensity. Lauren Cheney scored her second goal of the match on a cross from defender Leigh Ann Robinson and then assisted Erika Tymrak on her first professional goal. Unfortunately Portland was also able to net two goals in the second half and although the ‘Blues’ fought to make plays until the last second, they lost 4-3.
Seattle’s last NWSL game was also against Portland. Hope Solo, U.S. Women’s National team allocated goalkeeper started her first NWSL game and held the Thorns scoreless until a controversial penalty kick was called late in the game. The Reign then played an exhibition match against the Haitian Women’s National team while some players were in Toronto for international duty. Seattle shut the national team out 6-0. Kopmeyer and Betos shared the goalkeeper spot for Seattle while Solo was training with the U.S. National Team in Toronto. The Reign outshot Haiti 18-7 with 8 of them being on goal.
FC Kansas City and Seattle Reign have already met once in each city. In late April, the Reign traveled to Kansas City, falling 2-0. The following week, Kansas City visited Starfire Stadium and won 1-0. Lauren Cheney is tied with Cuellar in goals and Courtney Jones, who subbed in for the forward, was a strong attacking force against Portland. Kansas City defender, Lauren Sesselmann is back from international duty and has served her suspension from her red card against Sky Blue. She rejoins her backline to help Becky Sauerbrunn and Desiree Scott fend off Seattle’s offense of Jessica Fishlock and Liz Bogus.
‘Blues’ fans are invited to watch the game at the Futbol Club Eatery and Tap, the site of the Official Watch Party for FC Kansas City. The soccer-themed restaurant is located at 12030 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park, Kan. Kick-off is set for 9:00PM CT on Sunday June 9th.