RECAP: FC Kansas City falls to Seattle Reign FC on the road

SEATTLE (May 1, 2024) – A loss to Seattle Reign FC in a National Women’s Soccer League Championship rematch spoiled FC Kansas City’s first roadtrip of the season.

Reigning NWSL Player of the Week Kim Little scored the game’s lone goal in the 56th minute to secure the 1-0 victory for the Reign at Memorial Stadium. She fired a rocket from the top of the box, which slipped past Blues keeper Nicole Barnhart.

With the loss, the two-time defending champions fell to 0-2-1 to start the year.

The Blues struggled to find a rhythm offensively and took just four shots in the highly physical match. Fortunately, the defense was just as disruptive, holding the Reign to five shots and just one in the first half. Both goalkeepers had one save.

Yael Averbuch took FC Kansas City’s best shot late in the first half and Seattle’s Hope Solo was there to tip it up over the bar. Barnhart had a kick save midway through the second on another Little attempt.

The Blues were playing without starting forward Shea Groom, who was suspended one game for a red card against the Portland Thorns FC last week. University of Kansas graduate Caroline Kastor filled in with her first start of the season and second of her career.

FC Kansas City returns to Swope Soccer Village on Saturday to take on the Houston Dash. For individual game or single season tickets visit fckansascity.com/tickets-online or call (855) 4KC-GOAL.

SCORING SUMMARY:

FC Kansas City                   0

Seattle Reign FC                0

1              Kim Little             56’

STARTING LINEUPS:

FCKC: Barnhart; Taylor, Averbuch, Sauerbrunn, Frisbie, O’Reilly, Scott, Buczkowski (Arlitt 87’), Tymrak (Newfield 68’), Laddish, Kastor (Silva 61’).

SRFC: Solo; Fletcher (Elston 68’), Corsie, Barnes, Pickett, Winters, Yanez, Little, Melis (Dallstream 75’), Mathias (Cruz 81’), Reed.