FC Kansas City secured the first spot in the NWSL Championship as they defeated the Portland Thorns 2-0 in the first of the weekend’s semifinal match ups. The contest was a rematch from this stage in last season’s playoffs where Kansas City had a 2-0 lead within 25 minutes only to have the Thorns come back and eventually find a winner in extra time.
The story would play out differently this year with the Blues getting their much sought out revenge; not only from being eliminated from the playoffs last year, but from the 7-1 defeat they suffered against the Thorns earlier in the season. It would not be an easy match for either side, however, because in addition to battling each other, the teams were also battling the heat. The temperature at kick off was over 100 degrees with the field temperature reaching a blistering 159 degrees according to players and pictures making the rounds on social media.
Conditions would appear to play a factor in the match as much of the first half was played at an almost slow and cautious pace. Both teams seemed focus on maintaining possession and planning careful attacks. Portland was winning the possession game early on, but Kansas City’s defense squashed their attacking efforts. Kansas City would have their own offensive strike, one of the better attempts in the half, in the 29th minute when Amy Rodriguez took a breakaway touch near the mid line. Rodriguez was able to play the ball into space and charge down the field toward Nadine Angerer, but her outside shot sailed over the crossbar.
Despite the missed opportunity, the momentum for the remainder of the half would swing Kansas City’s way. They were able to control and move the ball and create several chances to go into the half with the lead. To their credit, Portland did well to contain Kansas City’s attack. Portland had a chance of their own during stoppage time when Vero’s shot flew off the post. Vero was probably one of the more active and creative Thorns players on the day, but was simply shut down by a stellar Kansas City defense. The game would remain scoreless going into the half.
The second half of the game was almost entirely Kansas City’s minus the first five minutes or so. In those opening minutes, Allie Long sprung Alex Morgan behind the Kansas City defense, but Nicole Barnhart charged off her line and beat Morgan to the ball. That would be Portland’s only real chance of the half as they registered zero shots on goal despite mounting several promising attacks. Whether it was the heat, having less rest, or a combination of factors, Portland seemed flat in the second half and Kansas City’s defense was a brick wall.
While much of the half was spent exchanging possession, Kansas City finally took the advantage in the 63rd minute. Lauren Holiday received the ball in the middle of four Thorns players allowing for Rodriguez to make a beautiful diagonal run, dismantling the defense and giving herself a golden scoring opportunity. Angerer challenged too early and allowed Rodriguez to practically walk the ball in to give the Blues a 1-0 lead.
Holiday went from provider to goalscorer when she put a lid on the match in the 88th minute. Sarah Hagen placed an amazingly well timed ball to a poorly defended Holiday as she made a run into the box. As several of Portland’s defenders looked for an offside call, Holiday went one on one with Angerer and slid it home making it 2-0 and sending FC Kansas City to the NWSL final.
After blowing a two goal lead and giving up a winner in extra time, this surely felt like redemption for Kansas City. With this win they also preserve their home undefeated streak. The Blues will either host the Washington Spirit or visit the Seattle Reign depending on the outcome of the second semifinal match on Sunday. Either way, FC Kansas City will play for the 2014 NWSL Championship on August 31st at 3pm ET. The final will be broadcast on ESPN 2.
Feature Photo courtesy of NWSL/nwslsoccer.com
