FC KANSAS CITY DROPS REGULAR SEASON FINALE

Club Will Host NWSL Playoffs Next Saturday

Overland Park, Kansas (August 18, 2024) – FC Kansas City needed only a single point to secure a first-place finish in the National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season.  Courtney Jones scored in the 20^th minute, but rookie Jen Hoy scored in the closing minutes of both halves to give Chicago the 2-1 lead.  The team will still play host to the NWSL Playoffs as the second seed in the post-season tournament, as they host the Portland Thorns on August 24^th.  Game time will be announced at a later date. 4,910 fans were in attendance to see the ‘Blues’ close out the regular season and see Lauren Holiday clinch the Golden Boot award, given to the player who scores the most goals in the regular season.

Last week, Kansas City ended their ten-game unbeaten streak with a loss to the Boston Breakers.  Eager for a win and a new positive streak, the Blues came out with a high pressured attack that gave the team several chances in the first five minutes.  Defender Leigh Ann Robinson suffered a knee injury in the ninth minute that forced her to leave the game. Trainers are hopeful for her to play next week, but won’t know until after she undergoes tests tomorrow.

With Robinson leaving the game Merritt Mathias moved back to the defensive line and Courtney Jones entered the match, taking Mathias spot in the midfield.  The move would take only ten minutes to pay off.  With Chicago driving into the FC Kansas City penalty box, Erika Tymrak stole the ball and sprinted 50 yards down the field.  Drawing the defense to her, she dished the ball to a wide open Jones on the left who slotted the ball towards the back post.  Red Stars goalkeeper, Erin McLeod was able to get a hand on it, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the score.

Chicago’s rookie star, Jen Hoy, stole the spotlight when she managed to find the goal in the 45^th minute and the 92^nd minute of the match.  The goals catapulted the Red Stars into the lead and prevented FC Kansas City from securing the top spot in the NWSL standings.

FC Kansas City finishes the regular season in second place with a record of 11-6-5.  They will host the first round of the NWSL Playoffs on Saturday August 24^th against the Portland Thorns.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 855.4KC.GOAL or emailing tickets@kcprosoccer.com.

NWSL Match Report

Match: Chicago Red Stars vs. FC Kansas City
Date: August 18, 2024
Venue: Verizon Wireless Field at Shawnee Mission District Stadium, Overland Park, KS
Kickoff: 3:10p.m. ET
Attendance: 4,910
Weather: 85 degrees, Sunny

FCKC: Barnhart; Mewis, Sesselmann, Sauerbrunn, Robinson (Jones 10’, Farrelly 63’); Tymrak, Buczkowski, Scott, Farrelly; Mathias; Henderson
Subs Not Used: French, Henninger, Kelly, Noyola, Williams

CRS: McLeod, Wenino, Fuss, Santacaterina, Quon, Osborne, Sitch, Mautz (Masar 69’), Leon (Vandenbergh 46’ Dominguez 82’), Grings, Hoy
Subs Not Used: Garza, Vancil,