FC Kansas City set to host 2024 Champions

Blues Look To Avenge Early Season Loss

PRARIE VILLAGE, KAN. (June 27, 2024) -

FC Kansas City (8-4-3 27 pts) will welcome Portland Thorns FC (6-5-2 20 pts) on Saturday June 28th. Kick off is slated for 7:00 PM Central Time on Verizon Wireless Field. This is the second meeting with the Thorns; the first was a 3-1 loss on April 26th in Portland. The Blues hope to continue the 7 game undefeated streak. Alex Morgan will be available for Saturday’s match; she has not been on the pitch against FC Kansas City since last season due to a knee injury.

Last week, FC Kansas City hosted the Chicago Red Stars. The Blues won 1-0 over the Midwestern rivals. Jen Buczkowski scored her first goal in the 2024 season. The goal came in the 76th minute after a spectacular cross from Merritt Mathias in front of the goal. The Kansas City summer heat was out in full force, meaning the game saw a slower pace.  Kansas City dominated possession throughout the match, keeping the ball in the attacking third. Chicago’s defense solidified to stop plays all over the field.  The win provided the Blues with 3 points and more space from Chicago in the standings.

Portland visits after a 2-1 loss to Sky Blue FC on Wednesday, June 25th. Sky Blue FC got on the board early when Katy Freels chipped a shot over Nadine Angerer in the 8th minute. Portland had close chances in the first half, one being in the final seconds when Alex Morgan fired a shot. Goalkeeper Brittany Cameron was there to save and Sky Blue FC stayed in the lead at half.  Portland equalized early in the second half on a restart. A throw in led to a play up to Christine Sinclair who easily netted the shot. Sky Blue’s second goal came on a set piece just outside the box. A free kick landed in the box and Lindsi Cutshall was there to head the ball to the back of the net. Portland pushed for another goal, but would fall at the final whistle.

Saturday night has the chemistry for an exciting game. Portland and FC Kansas City make for a notorious matchup with each club’s unique playing styles and depth of talent. It will be a clash of the scoring duos. Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday against Sinclair and Morgan could fill up highlight reels. The Blues’ defense will need to cover the pair closely but pay attention to team leaders Jessica McDonald and Allie Long. Kansas City goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart is currently on a shut out streak of 406 minutes. The Blues are currently undefeated at home, making a great environment to avenge the loss from earlier this season. The Thorns are currently in fourth place in the standings, at 20 points the second place Blues are not out of reach.

This anticipated game will start at 7:00 PM Central Time on Verizon Wireless Field in beautiful downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Blues are traveling to New Jersey to visit Sky Blue FC next on July 6th to start a series of away games. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s match by calling 855.4KC.GOAL

FC Kansas City is a Women’s Professional Soccer Team competing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The “Blues” began play in front of nearly 7,000 fans on April 13th, 2024, the first NWSL game in history. For more information or media inquiries please email Huw Williams at hwilliams@kcprosoccer.com or Lindsey Daley at ldaley@kcprosoccer.com.