FC Kansas City will be traveling to Memorial Stadium to compete against Seattle Reign for the third and last time of the season to take place tonight at 9 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on the go90 app. Among their season matches against each other, the Reign have stood their ground and have celebrated nothing but victories as Seattle has a 2-0-3 record within the previous five season games.
Eliminated from NWSL playoffs
Kansas City’s last match took place two weeks ago as they hosted the Chicago Red Stars. Unfortunately, the effort and diligent work resulted in a scoreless match between the two teams, which also eliminated Kansas City from the NWSL playoffs. Kansas City currently stands in seventh place with 27 points and a 7-9-6 game record. Even in winning their past five matches with the exception of one loss, the Blues will come into this match ready to defeat even if that means to impact the chance of the Reign from falling behind and not being able to see the playoffs.
The Blues have allowed 30 goals to see the back of their net this season, but even then, goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart is a key asset for Kansas City with her ability to make 90 saves this season and is the leading goalkeeper in the NWSL.
Forward Sydney Leroux leads the Blues with six goals scored in the season. In the past four games, they have scored nine goals and are determined to bring everything they got to this match. Another player who is also vital to their offensive lineup of forwards is Shea Groom. Groom is right behind with Leroux with four goals and has six assists under her belt.
Seattle striving to make a comeback
The Reign’s last competitors was Orlando Pride and although Pride forward Alex Morgan scored in the 92’ minute, forward Jess Fishlock scored the equalizer just two minutes later to result in a 1-1 draw. The Reign saw the Pride for the first time in their previous match, which took place almost two and a half weeks ago.
The last time Seattle took a lost to Kansas City was in the 2015 postseason, which ended in several draws. Head coach Laura Harvey declared her thoughts about the upcoming match:
“We know we have to be good on the ball, and without the ball we have to keep our shape well. They’re coming here without a chance to be in the playoffs and we hope that we will still have that opportunity by Sunday. You always know when Kansas come to town it’s going to be a good football game, and that’s what we expect.”
Forward Megan Rapinoe has scored 12 goals and is currently tied in second place in NWSL goals scored. Rapinoe made her mark early on as she scored in the first season match against Kansas City. Reign forward Nahomi Kawasumi along with Rapinoe are tied in the amount of goals scored against the Blues in Reign FC history.
