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Breakers Open Second Half of Season Thursday, Looking for Three Points against FC Kansas City

July 8, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


HANOVER, Mass. (July 8, 2015) - The Boston Breakers will look to snap a two-match losing streak as they take on the defending NWSL champions FC Kansas City Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium in Allston, Mass. It begins a stretch of three games in nine days for the Breakers.

In their last game, the Breakers fell to the Western New York Flash, 2-0, on June 28 at home. The Flash netted two first-half goals that proved to be the difference in the game as Boston lost its second straight at home. At the halfway point of the season, the Breakers hold a 3-5-2 record (11 points, eighth place).

Boston will look to sweep the season series against the Blues as they earned a 1-0 home victory in their previous match on May 30. Kristie Mewis delivered the lone goal of the game, and her third of the season, in the 51st minute, on an assist from Katie Schoepfer.

FC Kansas City comes into the match sporting a 4-5-2 (14 points, fourth place) record. The Blues are fresh off of a 3-0 win against the Washington Spirit on July 3, their first win since May 8. After a 3-2 start to their season, the Blues have cooled off as of late, posting one win over their past six matches.

"I think playing Kansas City the second time around will be just as tough as playing them the first time around," said Schoepfer, one of the Boston's three captains. "They're a good team with a great group of people. (Erika) Tymrak is a very good player, and they have a solid back line and a solid goalkeeper, so I'm expecting a really good game."

FC Kansas City is led by forwards Liz Bogus and Shea Groom, who pace the Blues attack with three goals each. The rookie Groom has caught fire as of late, netting a goal in each of the past two matches.

The Breakers will look to net a few goals of their own against FC Kansas City's Nicole Barnhart, the 2013 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. Barnhart is tied for the league lead for goalkeeping wins (four) and shutouts (four) and is second in saves (41).

Though the Breakers have lost the past two games, they lead their opponents on both shots (35-21) and shots on goal (19-8). The Breakers will look for some better luck in the month of July as they went 0-2-1 in June.

"Coming off two losses, it's really important for us to get points, even get a positive result," Schoepfer said. "We've been training hard and working well and think we deserve the points, especially for these home fans. They deserve to see us win."

Following Sunday's game against FC Kansas City, the Breakers will conclude their four-game home stand against the Chicago Red Stars on July 15 at 7 p.m. ET. They then travel on July 18 to play the Red Stars on the road.

To purchase tickets to Boston Breakers home games, call 617-945-1704 or visit www.breakerstickets.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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