FC KANSAS CITY TO HOST HOUSTON DASH

Blues Look to Extend Series Shutout

FC Kansas City is set to host the newest National Women’s Soccer League club, the Houston Dash. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 PM Central Time on Sunday at Verizon Wireless Field at Durwood Stadium.The Blues return home after a well fought loss to the undefeated Seattle Reign FC this past Wednesday. Houston visits off of a 1-0 loss to the Portland Thorns. This will be the second meeting between the two clubs, the first was a 4-0 win for the Blues in Houston.

On Wednesday, the Blues traveled to Seattle to visit the top of the table, Reign FC. The match was by far one of the most exciting so far this season.  Goalkeeper, Hope Solo and the rest of the Seattle backline had only allowed two goals this season. Kansas City’s Amy Rodriguez came in as the league leading scorer. The best defense and the best goal scorer going head to head produced 90 minutes of thrilling action. Seattle had a quick lead with back to back goals from Kendall Fletcher and Kim Little, the second on a penalty kick. With Seattle up 2-0, the Blues kept a calm approach and it paid off. In the 44^th minute, Rodriguez was fouled in the box. Lauren Holiday took the resulting penalty kick and made the score 2-1 right before halftime. The last minute goal and a quick break changed the momentum of the game. In the second half, Erika Tymrak entered the game for Kansas City and quickly found an equalizer from outside the box. Reign FC captain, Keelin Winters would score the last goal of the match on a header in the 76^th minute. Kansas City’s two goals would double Seattle’s goals allowed for the season and the most allowed in a match this season.

Houston Dash hosted Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday. The Dash were shut out 1-0 by Portland but held the Thorns scoreless in the first half. Though the game was low scoring, there were plenty of offensive attempts from both sides challenging each others’ defense. Jessica McDonald scored the only goal of the match in the 57^th minute on a pass from Angie Kerr. Overall, Portland outshot Houston 13-9, but both teams had 7 shots on target.  McDonald led Portland with 6 shots while Jordan Jackson led the Dash with 3.

Four different players scored during the shutout visit to Houston. The four goals came from Rodriguez, Tymrak, Liz Bogus and Frances Silva. The Blues hope to continue the offensive minded style of play on Sunday against Houston.  Injuries are looming throughout both rosters will be a challenge to overcome. Houston’s backline will have to keep an eye on Rodriguez who is still tied with Seattle’s Little for the league’s leading scorer. Holiday and rookie Jenna Richmond lead the league in assists on the season.

Kickoff on Sunday is set for 5:00 PM Central Time. Kansas City will host Houston on Verizon Wireless Field at Durwood Stadium at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The game will be broadcast on Time Warner Sports Network along with the live stream at fckansascity.com/live-feed/. Looking ahead, the Blues will welcome Seattle Reign FC to Kansas City in a mid-week game on Wednesday at 7:00 PM Central Time. For tickets call 855.4KC.GOAL or email tickets@kcprosoccer.com