PREVIEW: FC Kansas City prepares to host Sky Blue FC

KANSAS CITY (September 2, 2024) — FC Kansas City enters the final month of the regular season looking for points to keep its playoff hopes alive.

The two-time defending champions have earned a National Women’s Soccer League postseason berth in each of the first three years, but have a tough road back sitting 11 points behind the final spot. Luckily for the Blues, they get two chances at home to record victories in their final four games.

The first comes Sunday night when they host Sky Blue FC at 5 p.m. at Swope Soccer Village. FC Kansas City will also host the Chicago Red Stars on Sept. 11.

The Blues enter the game with a 4-8-4 record and 16 points after a 2-0 loss to the Boston Breakers on Sunday. Sky Blue FC is 6-6-4 with 22 points and a loss to the Chicago Red Stars in its last match.

Sunday was a defensive outlier for the Blues, who have given up more than one goal in just four of their 16 matches so far. Nicole Barnhart is tied for first in the NWSL with five clean sheets and has a save percentage of 82.

FC Kansas City and Sky Blue FC met once already this season and played to a 1-1 draw on June 11 at Yurcak Field. Shea Groom scored for the Blues in that match and currently leads the team with six goals. Sarah Killion added the equalizer for Sky Blue FC and is tied with a team-high three goals this season. The Blues lead the all-time series 4-2-3.

The Blues hit the road to take on the Chicago Red Stars for a mid-week match on the 7th and then host them in the regular season home finale on Sept. 11. The Blues end their schedule in Orlando against the Pride.