FC Kansas City Falls to North Carolina Courage [Video Highlights]

The game started off with a series of shots by the North Carolina Courage, all of which fell short of a goal. Forward Maegan Kelly of FC Kansas City had a good look at the goal in the 12th minute only to be saved by keeper Katelyn Rowland. After some back and forth play, midfielder Desiree Scott gets a shot on goal that is again saved by Rowland. FCKC keeper, Nicole Barnhart had the opportunity to show off her keeping skills in the 27th minute with a save off of a shot from Lynn Williams. At the end of the first half, midfielder Lo LaBonta was given the only yellow card of the game.

There was a new face on the field at the start of the second half, forward Maegan Kelly was subbed out for forward Shea Groom at half time. The second half was dominated by North Carolina, who far out shot the Blues this game. Subs Shea Groom and Brittany Ratcliffe seemed to breathe a new breath of life into the team, but they were unable to convert any goals. The winning goal for North Carolina came in the 86th minute when Lynn Williams was able to get the ball past Barnhart.

Overall, the Blues fought hard. The majority of their troubles came from holding the ball in the midfield. The team has good bones, but until they’re better able to connect their offense and defense, they will continue to have trouble producing goals. They need to find a good number 10 player who will be a strong presence in the midfield.

Here are the full highlights.

The Blues play their next game in Houston on Sunday, August 13th!