The reigning two-time NWSL Champion sit near the bottom of the table but picked up a positive result last Saturday as they returned to NWSL play against Portland Thorns FC. The contest finished in a 1-1 draw with Shea Groom picking up her second goal of the season. The Texas A&M product and Yael Averbuch lead the team in goals. Prior to the FIFA window FCKC picked up its first victory of the season defeating the Orlando Pride 2-0 on May 28. Like the Dash, FCKC have struggled offensively with just five goals this season, the second fewest in the league.
Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart has kept FCKC competitive despite the offensive struggles. FCKC has lost four games this season and three of them have finished with a 1-0 score line. Barnhart leads the league in saves with 32.
Potential impact players include U.S. Women’s Soccer veterans Heather O’Reilly and Becky Sauerbrunn. Additionally, Erika Tymrak and Mandy Laddish provide experience in the midfield after Amy Rodriguez took the season off to give birth to her second child. Replacing Rodriguez’ productivity has plagued FCKC after she scored nine goals for FCKC last season.
The Dash defeated FC Kansas City 2-1 in their last meeting on May 7. That was the first road victory for the Dash in the all-time series. Chioma Ubogagu and Denise O’Sullivan scored their first goals for the club and Ubogagu earned NWSL Player of the Week honors for her performance.
Tickets for the match start at $15 and a special Dads and Daughters pack is available that includes a postgame photo on the pitch. Mom and brothers are welcome too! For additional information, visit HoustonDashSoccer.com/tickets.
