FC Kansas City Draw Their Home Opener

FC Kansas City started the first game of their history and the NWSL history strong, scoring inside the first 5 minutes, but were outplayed by Portland in the second half and had to settle for the draw after Christine Sinclair scored a penalty kick in the second half. 

KC came out with some fire early and in only the 3rd minute grabbed the lead.  A long ball over the top by Kristie Mewis was settled well by Reane Cuellar.  Cuellar held off her defender well as she drove into the box and fired a shot that beat Karina LeBlanc for the historic first goal in the team and league's history to give KC the lead.  The half remained open with KC looking to continue playing balls into Cuellar.  The Mexican international was a big handful for the Portland defense in the first half as they struggled to deal with her size.  As the half wore on Portland started to get more of the game.  The FCKC defense though held strong and kept the high powered attack of Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair in check for much of the game.

In the second half Portland continued to attack and actually controlled more of the game.  Much of the game was played in KC's end of the field as Portland's midfield was able to overwhelm KC's midfield. Cuellar became completely isolated up top as Portland wouldn't give KC time.  Then in the 67th a ball was played through KC's defense for substitute Danielle Foxhoven.  Foxhoven held off Lauren Sesselman but as Sesselman tried to get by, she fouled Foxhoven and the referee pointed to the spot.  Sinclair stepped up and beat Nicole Barnhart.  As the rest of the game went on KC started to get a few chances but neither side really tested the opposing defense the rest of the way as the game ended 1-1 for the league opener.