FCKC Top Sky Blue FC

From FC Kansas City

FC Kansas City fought with Sky Blue FC to a 2-1 victory in front of 1,852 fans tonight on Verizon Wireless Field. The Blues’ undefeated record at home still stands as Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday secure an important win tonight.

The match had an exciting start. Katrina Gorry took a tumble after a shot that goalkeeper Jill Loyden saved quickly. The game’s energy matched the Kansas City summer heat on the field. Erika Tymrak also had a close shot. NWSL’s 2013 Rookie of the Year took a beautiful shot that Loyden just saved.

Though the Blues had stunning offensive attacks, the New Jersey club challenged Kansas City and kept the pressure in the defensive third. FC Kansas City finally broke through Sky Blue FC’s defense in the 34th minute. The dangerous team of Sarah Hagen, Holiday and Rodriguez worked the ball around the defenders in the box. Holiday found an open Rodriguez who fired a shot past Loyden. It was Rodriguez’s eleventh goal of the season.

FC Kansas City controlled the ball for the remaining minutes of the first half. Gorry looked up to see a streaking Hagen but Sky Blue’s defense was there to intercept the pass. The first half closed out with the Blues up 1-0.

The second half looked similar to the first, the Blues controlled the ball with a few chances against the run of play. Rodriguez looked dangerous in the 59th minute when she had a close shot for her 12th goal of the season but Loyden was there to keep the score 1-0 with 30 minutes remaining.

Amy LePeilbet made a huge defensive play for FC Kansas City in the 64th minute. LePeilbet took on multiple New Jersey attackers on her own to possess the ball and clear it out of the defensive third.

The score increased by one in the 70th minute when Frances Silva sent a beautiful cross from 18 yards out to find an open Holiday. She found her opportunity to take a shot and found the back of the net. The Blues went up to 2-0 with Holiday’s eighth goal of the season.

Sky Blue FC scored in the 87th minute. Gorry had a pass intercepted by Nadia Nadim who turned the ball and broke the shutout. The New Jersey club controlled the match with scary close chances on goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. June’s Player of the Month held strong and the game ended at 2-1.