Blues fall to Sky Blue FC in First Home Defeat

One play can change everything.

FC Kansas City gave up a penalty kick in the 22nd minute that had a lot of repercussions. It cost the Blues a player as Lauren Sesselmann was shown a red and was sent off. It cost the Blues the lead as Sophie Schmidt buried the penalty kick to give Sky Blue FC. Finally it cost the Blues their undefeated home start to the 2013 season as they fell 1-0.

The teams came into the match at Verizon Wireless Field in Shawnee, Kansas with a lot at stake. Sky Blue FC held first place in the table and was embroiled in a battle with Portland Thorns FC at the top. FC Kansas City had just come off a big win over the Boston Breakers and were looking to knock Sky Blue FC off the top.

Things fell apart for the Blues in the 22nd minute when a foul was called in the box and Sky Blue FC was awarded a penalty kick. Lauren Sesselmann was ejected from the match and Sky Blue FC took a 1-0 lead.

From there, FC Kansas City actually outshot Sky Blue FC but was not able to put a goal in the net. Renae Cuellar had a late shot on goal in injury time but was unsuccessful in converting.

Sky Blue FC improved to 6-1-1 and stayed in a first place tie with Portland, each with 19 points in eight matches played. They will play host to the Boston Breakers next Saturday and then they will host Western New York in consecutive weeks.

FC Kansas City fell to 3-2-1 in six matches played and sits in a tie for fourth place. They start a three-game road swing on Thursday in Portland to take on the Thorns. Three days later they will head to Seattle for a match with the Reign.