FCKC Lose Two Goal Lead, Draw Sky Blue

As the second half of the season begins, every game becomes important in the battle for playoff positioning.  Facing the league leading Sky Blue FC, FC Kansas City needed a solid performance to keep their place among the league’s top teams.  Erika Tymrak scored her third goal of the season and Lauren Cheney scored her third goal in the last two games to give the Kansas City a 2-0 lead.  However a strong offensive push allowed to Sky Blue’s Monica Ocampo to score two late goals and this match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Originally scheduled to kickoff at 6:00 p.m. CT, lightning in the area forced the start to be delayed by nearly thirty minutes.  When teams returned to the field, the wet conditions made it difficult for either team to get a solid footing.  Erika Tymrak took advantage when a Sky Blue defender slipped on the wet field, allowing her to attack the goalkeeper unopposed and score the only goal of the first half in the 14th minute.

The second half began with both teams trying to establish control of game possession.  Lauren Cheney was able to use some fancy footwork and clear herself of three defenders before slotting a shot far-post to give KC a 2-0 lead in the 74th minute.  After having to only face three shots on Sunday, Nicole Barnhart was very active tonight, making seven saves on nine shots on goal.  In the final moments of the match, Sky Blue sent their entire team forward in an attempt to salvage the game.  Monica Ocampo was able to score twice, with the final score coming two minutes into added time, to even the score.  As the final whistle blew, both teams earned a point in the standings with a 2-2 draw.