FC KANSAS CITY HITS THE ROAD

Team Looks For Win Against Washington Spirit

FC Kansas City prepares for its first road trip of the season when the team travels to Washington D.C. for the week two matchup against the Washington Spirit. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30p.m. CT and can be viewed LIVE here.

FC Kansas City at Washington Spirit – Game Notes

Last week, FC Kansas City opened the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, hosting Sky Blue FC. In the 42nd minute, Amy Rodriguez scored the first goal of the NWSL season, her first as a member of the ‘Blues’ and first since returning to club play. Rookie Kassey Kallman received to the left of the goal near the top of the penalty box. After assessing her options she laid off a pass to Rodriguez in the middle, who wasted no time in placing her shot to the far corner of the net.

Despite holding onto the majority of the possession throughout the match and outshooting their opponent 14-5 (9-2 on goal), they fell even with Sky Blue shortly after halftime. Katy Freels jumped on a missed clearance within the Kansas City penalty box and scored the equalizer. The 1-1 score would stand and each team earned a point on opening day.

Washington faced off against the Western New York Flash at home last weekend. After a Western New York early goal, the Spirit were able to hold off the attack of 2024’s regular season champions for most of the first half.

The second half was a different story; the Flash scored two more times in the second half and controlled the game. Washington did get on the scoreboard, but were unable to overcome the initial deficit.

Last season, FC Kansas City led the series against the Spirit 1-0-1 and outscored Washington 3-1. Remembering a late defensive collapse last season that resulted in the draw, the Blues’ players and coaching staff have adopted the slogan ‘Finish It’ this season. Something they hope to do with the addition of defenders Nikki Phillips and Kassey Kallman, while relying on veterans Leigh Ann Robinson and 2024 Defender of the Year Becky Sauerbrunn. The defense will be on their toes against Nairn and former teammate Renae Cuellar. Offensively, Rodriguez and Liz Bogus hope to capitalize on the chances created by Kansas City’s star-studded midfield.

This is the first of a two-game, coast-to-coast road trip for FC Kansas City. Next week they fly to the Pacific Northwest for a match against the Portland Thorns. The team returns home to host the Chicago Red Stars on April 30th at 7:00p.m. CT. For tickets or more information call 855.4KC.GOAL or email tickets@kcprosoccer.com