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FC Kansas City has played in three matches so far in their inaugural season. They've shown great promise in all three of them, conceding only one goal in 270 minutes, a penalty kick against Portland. Tonight, they travel to Rochester, New York to take on the Flash of Western New York.
The Flash are currently 5th in the table right now, coming off of a 2-1 win over Sky Blue FC on May 1st. So they are rested, and news coming out earlier favors the Flash as well. US International Carli Lloyd has been cleared to train with the team and will be returning to the team soon.
While the Flash probably won't feature Lloyd for a couple of more matches, their attack is already formidable. Abby Wambach, Samantha Kerr and Adirana Martin Santamaria have combined for four goals in three matches and they are steadily improving.
FC Kansas City, on the other hand, has had one of the stingiest defenses in the league. As mentioned above, the Blues have only given up one goal in three matches and that one goal was a penalty kick. Centerbacks Lauren Sesselmann and Becky Sauerbrunn have anchored the best defense in the NWSL, allowing the fewest goals in the entire league.
How they will win
For the Blues to win, they will have to continue their defensive dominance by shutting down the forwards of the Flash. If they can do that, it will allow the Blues' attack, featuring Renae Cuellar, to sneak one by the Flash's defense. Cuellar has been another bright spot for Kansas City, scoring in each of the Blues' three matches.
The way the Flash will win is to simply put more goals in the net than FC Kansas City. If they can neutralize Cuellar up top while simultaneously beating Sesselmann and Sauerbrunn in the back, then it will be a very good night for the Flash.
Prediction: FC Kansas City 2-1 WNY Flash
I believe the shutout streak may end tonight, but the Flash's defense is too suspect for FC Kansas City to be held scoreless. Look for goals from Cuellar and Lauren Cheney for the Blues.
The match starts at 6:35 pm central and will be featured on the NWSL Youtube livestream as all of the Blues' games have been.