Lisle, IL – The Red Stars two game winning streak was put to an end on Thursday night in their first meeting against FC Kansas City. Though the Red Stars saw multiple chances to put themselves on the scoreboard, Kansas City swept the match 2-0, with goals by Casey Loyd and Courtney Jones.
The first half was a slow start for the Red Stars, recording no on-goal attempts and only three total shots. Kansas City created many dangerous offensive opportunities, capitalizing on a penalty kick in the 26th minute. Sonja Fuss was called for a foul inside the Red Stars 18-yard box during a tackle attempt with Melissa Henderson. Casey Loyd confidently placed the shot into the upper left side of the net, giving Kansas City the first goal of the night. Rookie goalkeeper Taylor Vancil started in goal due to Erin McLeod being called up to play for the Canadian National Team. The half ended with the score 1-0, Kansas City in the lead.
“Anytime you go down in a game you have to start chasing the game and it changes a lot of things,” said Head Coach Rory Games. “The entire second half was stretched and they’re athletic so it makes it difficult.”
The second half started with a strong push from the Red Stars after the disappointing first half performance. Though the urgency for a goal from the Red Stars was higher starting the half, Kansas City’s Courtney Jones put them at a two-goal deficit in the 65th minute after trapping a through-pass on the right side of the 18-yard box and taking the angle against Vancil. In retaliation, the Red Stars created opportunities that looked to be the equalizers toward the end of the game. Inka Grings was given a solid look from the right side after a long, low cross from Maribel Dominguez, but she places the shot over the crossbar. In the 74th minute, Dominguez had an empty net shot after some steller footwork to shake two defenders, but she hesitated and placed it wide off the post.
The Red Stars were missing two players tonight in Erin McLeod and Carmelina Moscato due to Canadian National Team call-ups.
The Red Stars will have a chance for revenge against FC Kansas City in the rematch Sunday June 16th 3 p.m. in Kansas City.
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