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KC NWSL wins first victory in club history
Midfielder Victoria Pickett scored Kansas City’s only goal in the 1-0 win over OL Reign. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
On a beautiful summer’s evening at Legends Field, Kansas City NWSL earned the first victory in team history Saturday, with a 1-0 victory over OL Reign.
Although Kansas City’s offense provided scoring chances starting in the first minute, Victoria Pickett put over the match’s only goal in the 73rd minute, charging on to a deflected ball near the Reign penalty spot.
Pickett’s goal held up thanks to a much improved defensive effort. The error-prone back line that allowed three goals at Louisville last Sunday shut out the Reign, blocking four shots and requiring only one save from goalkeeper Abby Smith.
The Kansas City expansion club is still staring up the rest of the league in the standings, 7 points behind Racing Louisville FC, but the win gives fans hope of better things ahead as the team heads into the last 10 games of the 2021 season.
Kansas City will head to the second place North Carolina Courage next Saturday. Their next home game at Legends Field will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 against Louisville.
Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta and defender Kristen Edmonds greeted the crowd enthusiastically after the win. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Defender Kiki Pickett sprinted at full speed toward the Reign goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Fans celebrated Pickett’s goal in the 73rd minute. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Reign defender Lauren Barnes slid in for a tackle, winning the ball and upending midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)The KC Chiefs Rumble drum group performed before the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Defender Elizabeth Ball broke up an attack by Reign midfielder Eugenie Le Sommer. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Fans celebrated the team’s inaugural victory. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta headed the ball back to keep it in play. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)Forward Kristen Hamilton fired a shot on goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
