FC Kansas City Up to Third

FC Kansas City put in a complete performance today at Verizon Wireless Field today as they took care of business and defeated the visiting Portland Thorns for the first time this season, 2-0.  From the start, FC Kansas City was all over the Thorns, controlling the early run of play. KC were rewarded for their early pressure in the 10th minute when the Blues grabbed the lead through Lauren Cheney.  Cheney was played in by Leigh Ann Robinson to start a 3v3 break for KC. Cheney ended up going herself and firing a shot from 28 yards out that sailed Karina LeBlanc and into the net for Cheney's league leading 8th goal of the season. KC continued to push the game with a northerly wind at their back assisting. Courtney Jones and Robinson were causing all kinds of problems down KC's right side. Portland only showed little glimpses going forward. For all KC's possession and chances though they only went into the half time break up 1-0. 

In the second half Portland came out looking to get back into the game.  KC's defense though did a great job of shutting down the Thorns high power attack of Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan. The two were limited to only a handful of chances as Lauren Sesselman and Becky Sauerbrunn shut down their attack. KC had chances of their own as well as they would counter off of Portland's attacks. KC did finally find a second goal in the 71st minute.  A cross by Robinson was deflected into the box by Angie Kerr.  There, substitute, Merritt Mathias beat her defender to the ball and got a touch on the ball, knocking it past LeBlanc and into the net doubling the lead. After that, Portland actually started to get more into the game,creating a few chances, but with just under 10 minutes left, they took another hit.  Defender Marian Dougherty had to leave the game with a knee injury.  Portland had already used all of their subs, which forced Portland to spend the rest of the game with only 10 men.  KC held on and picked up their 7th win of the season.  The jumped over Western New York and into 3rd place in the league.