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FC Kansas City Host Portland Thorns FC in NWSL Semifinal Saturday

August 23, 2013 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release


CHICAGO - FC Kansas City face off against Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. ET in the semifinals of the 2013 NWSL Playoffs live on FOX Sports 2.

The first playoff game in NWSL history will be a rematch of the league's first game when FC Kansas City and the Thorns played to a 1-1 draw to kick off the inaugural NWSL season on April 13.

The game Saturday afternoon will be the fifth meeting between the teams this season - with the Blues holding a 2-1-1 edge in the season series.

FC Kansas City found themselves with No. 2 seed in playoffs after a 2-1 loss Sunday to the Chicago Red Stars on the final day of the regular season.

The Blues entered that game needing only a draw to claim the NWSL Shield for the best regular-season record, but were unable to get the result after they allowed the game-winning goal to Red Stars forward Jen Hoy during second-half stoppage time.

Hoy's goal saw FC Kansas City slip to second behind the Western New York Flash - which were level on 38 points with the Blues and Portland Thorns FC, but held tiebreakers over both teams.

The setback was the second consecutive loss for FC Kansas City.

The Blues did, however, receive their fair share of good news as well during the week leading up to the semifinals with FCKC sweeping the four league awards announced so far for the 2013 NWSL Season.

FC Kansas City midfielder Lauren Holiday claimed the Golden Boot on Monday thanks to her 12 goals on the season before FCKC rounded out the week with wins by midfielder Erika Tymrak for Rookie of the Year, Nicole Barnhart for Goalkeeper of the Year and Becky Sauerbrunn for Defender of the Year.

The league will announce the winners of Coach of the Year, MVP and the NWSL Best XI next week.

The Thorns come into the semifinal match on the heels of their first win in four games following a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC on Saturday.

Portland forward Christine Sinclair stepped up in the absence of injured-star Alex Morgan to score her seventh and eighth goals of the season to pace the Thorns. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made seven saves in the game.

Morgan hasn't played since Aug. 7 when she suffered a mild sprain to her medial collateral ligament (MCL) in her left knee against the Boston Breakers.

The U.S. international has trained with the Thorns and traveled with the team for the game Saturday, but remains listed as day-to-day.

The trip to Verizon Wireless Field on Saturday will be the third of the season for Portland, which are 0-1-1 on the road against the Blues this year.

FC Kansas City beat the Thorns 4-3 on Aug. 4 in the most recent between the two teams as the Blues set a NWSL record with their 10th consecutive game without a loss.

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