RECAP: FC Kansas City rallies for first comeback victory in franchise history

KANSAS CITY (September 4, 2024) – Playing with a full roster for the first time in more than a month, FC Kansas City kept its playoff hopes alive by defeating Sky Blue FC at Swope Soccer Village on Sunday evening. Canadian defender Desiree Scott was the final missing piece, having won the bronze medal at the 2024 Rio Olympic Games and then taking a week to be with her family in Manitoba. Katie Bowen played for New Zealand and Becky Sauerbrunn represented the U.S. Women’s National Team. Heather O’Reilly joined Becky Sauerbrunn as an alternate in Brazil.

Coach Vlatko Andonovski also returned this week after a brief trip home to Macedonia following the unexpected passing of his father.

The Blues played with stingy defense, allowing just five shots in the match. Sky Blue’s goal came in the 40th minute when Samantha Kerr buried a shot into the top right corner of the goal.

Tiffany McCarty equalized moments later, slipping the ball into the bottom corner for her first goal of the season.

Yael Averbuch, who entered the game with three free goals, added another in the second half to secure FC Kansas City’s first come-from-behind victory in franchise history. The Blues had rallied to tie, but never won.

The Blues will face the Chicago Red Stars twice in the next week with a road game on Wednesday and the home finale at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Blues end the regular season with their first trip to Orlando to take on the Pride on Saturday, September 24.

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

NWSL Match Report

Match: FC Kansas City vs. Sky Blue FC

Date: September 4, 2024

Venue: Swope Soccer Village

Attendance: 2,414

Scoring Summary:

            1          2          F

KC        1          1          2

NJ        1          0          1

1          NJ        Kerr (Simon)    40th

2          KC        McCarty          45th

3          KC        Averbuch         84th

Lineups:

KC: Barnhart; Sauerbrunn, Averbuch, Bowen, Scott, Taylor, McCarty, Laddish, O’Reilly, Kastor (Tymrak 57, Silva 64), Groom.

Subs not used: Parkhill; Arlitt, Reed, LaBonta.

Coach: Vlatko Andonovski

NJ: Stanley; Simon, Rampone, Grubka, Skroski, Galton, Lytle (Hayes 76), Killion, Kerr, Kai, Rodriguez.

Subs not used: Casey, Goodson, Stanton, Decesare, Conheeney.

Coach: Christy Holly

Conduct Summary:

84th minute    Kai

REFEREE: Victor Rivas

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Francisco Bermudez

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Amber O’Connor

4TH OFFICIAL: Devin Blazek

REFEREE ASSESSOR: Rachel Woo

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