Preview: Playoff Race Continues as FC Kansas City Hosts the Portland Thorns FC

Published on August 11, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
FC Kansas City News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 11, 2015) - FC Kansas City (6-6-4, 22 points) returns home on Wednesday night to host the Portland Thorns FC (6-6-4, 22 points) at Swope Soccer Village. Fourth and fifth in the league standings, both teams will try to start a new winning streak, which could secure a spot in the NWSL playoffs with four weeks left in the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and tickets can be purchased at fckansascity.com or the box office on game day.

Fans are encouraged to bring their no-longer used cellphones to the game for donation to domestic violence shelters through Verizon's HopeLine program. Donation boxes will be located at both entrances to the field. Donators will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting tech prizes as well as a team-autograph soccer ball.

Kansas City and the Thorns enter the match with the same overall record. However, the Blues have a +5 goal differential over Portland's +3. Both teams are coming from victories. On Saturday, Coach Vlatko Andonovski's team shutout the Western NY Flash 4-0, while the Chicago Red Stars fell 2-1 in their visit to Providence Park.

This will be the second time Portland and Kansas City meet in 2015. Earlier this season, goalkeeper Michelle Betos scored the game-tying goal after heading a corner kick taken by Allie Long in stoppage time to make it 1-1 despite Sarah Hagen's first tally of the season on Sunday, June 19 at Providence Park.

FC Kansas City and the Portland Thorns have squared off eight times in regular season matches with each team recording three wins and two ties. In addition, the Thorns and the Blues met in the 2013 (FCKC 2-3 PTCF) and 2014 (FCKC 2-0 PTFC) NWSL semifinals.

Both sides will be without key players. World Cup Champion Alex Morgan will not be available for Riley as she is still recovering from a knee surgery. On the other hand, team leader Shea Groom will miss another game due to a right foot second metatarsal fracture, while Lauren Holiday is listed as doubtful in the injury report.

Next up, the Blues will host the Boston Breakers on August 22 at Swope Soccer Village.

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