by Brian Turrel
Kansas City NWSL held the high-powered Portland Thorns to a scoreless draw on Sunday afternoon at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The draw is Kansas City’s fifth consecutive match at home without a loss, dating back to July 23.
Given the disparity in results for Kansas City and Portland so far this season, and Kansas City’s early defensive problems, the outcome is a promising one. Portland had not been held scoreless since July 11.
Kansas City played the first half in an exaggerated defensive stance, waiting until near the midfield line to challenge Thorns’ ball handlers and not committing large numbers forward, even on corner kicks.
The strategy paid off with a goal-free first half. Kansas City’s best opportunity came in the 45th minute on a high-velocity shot from Darian Jenkins, but it was was saved by Portland goalkeeper Bella Bixby.
The home side was a bit more venturesome to start the second half, pressuring the Portland defense multiple times in the opening minutes. However, after the early flurry, Kansas City settled back in defensively.
A shot from Katie Bowen in the 67th minute was saved by Bixby and bounced around briefly in front of the Portland goal, but Kansas City wasn’t able to get a foot on it.
A Portland penalty kick in the 85th minute could have been the decider, but forward Christine Sinclair’s right-footed attempt banged off the left post and Kansas City cleared the ball.
Kansas City’s defense held off some late Portland pressure, but needed a diving save from goalkeeper Adrianna Franch in stoppage time to seal the draw.
Kansas City’s next match will be at home against the Houston Dash on Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m.
