RECAP: FC Kansas City falls to Washington Spirit on the road

KANSAS CITY (July 2, 2024) – Missing three starters to international duty, FC Kansas City fell to the Washington Spirit on the road Saturday night. The Blues held the Spirit scoreless until the 79th minute, but gave up two goals in the final 11 minutes to fall 2-0 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The loss ended a four-game unbeaten streak by the two-time defending National Women’s Soccer League champions.

FC Kansas City was playing without Becky Sauerbrunn and Heather O’Reilly, who reported to the U.S. Women’s National Team earlier this week. Desiree Scott is playing for Canada as both teams continue preparations for the Rio Olympic Games. In their absence, Lo’eau LaBonta made her first professional start and played the entire match.

The Blues carried a 240-minute shutout streak into the game, having last allowed a goal to Sky Blue FC in the 30th minute on June 11. That lasted until Ordega’s 79th minute goal that followed a melee in the box. She slipped her shot into the bottom left corner beyond an outstretched Nicole Barnhart. Huster followed moments later, converting a corner kick after a rebound in front of the goal.

It was just the second time this season the Blues allowed more than one goal in a game. They dropped to 2-5-4 with 10 points. The Washington Spirit jumped to third place with a 6-2-2 record.

FC Kansas City will play three of its next four matches on the road starting with a 9:30 p.m. CT contest on July 9 against Portland Thorns FC. They will return home to host the Spirit on July 16 and then travel to Western New York and Chicago before the end of the month.

For FC Kansas City tickets or more information, please call 855-4KC-GOAL or visit fckansascity.com.

NWSL Match Report

Match: Washington Spirit vs. FC Kansas City

Date: July 2, 2024

Venue: Maryland SoccerPlex

Attendance: 3,036

Weather:

Scoring Summary

1 WAS Ordega 79

2 WAS Huster 85

Lineups

WAS: Wys; Kleiner, Johnson, Oyster, Dydasco, Nairn, Huster, Lohman, Farquharson, Stengel (Ordega 79), Banini.

Subs not used: Church, Haracic, Murphy, Rosen, Williams

Coach: Jim Gabarra

KC: Barnhart; Averbuch, Taylor, Bowen, Reed, LaBonta, Laddish, Silva, Tymrak, McCarty (Kastor 75’), Groom.

Subs not used: Parkhill; Kastor, Menchel, Newfield.

Coach: Vlatko Andonovski

Stats Summary (WAS/KC)

Goals 2/0

Saves 5/6

Offsides 2/3

Shots 13/13

Fouls 8/4

Corners 5/4

REFEREE: Karen Abt

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Alicia Messer

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Jimmy Brooks

4TH OFFICIAL: Gary Gutierrez

REFEREE ASSESSOR: Corey Dean