Chicago 2nd-half surge spoils KC NWSL home opener

Chicago defender Kayla Sharples broke up a sliding attempt by midfielder Victoria Pickett. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Kansas City NWSL opened its home regular season at Legends Field on Wednesday evening in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 5,272, but ended with a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars.

The Red Stars scored twice within 3 minutes in the second half.

Chicago substitutes Mallory Pugh and Kealia Watt, brought on in the 60th minute, scored just seven minutes later when Pugh fed the ball to Watt for a shot past Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart.

On the next Chicago run, Pugh connected with Makenzy Doniak to make the score 2-0.

Kansas City created some early dangerous chances, especially a shot by Mariana Larroquette midway through the half that was only saved by a leaping dive from Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but Kansas City couldn’t get the offensive pressure going and had no shots on target in the second half.

KC NWSL plays next at Orlando on May 30. The team returns home to face the Houston Dash on June 6 at 1 p.m.

Forward Amy Rodriguez headed a shot on goal in the first half. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Amy Rodriguez headed the ball toward the Chicago goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Midfielder Desiree Scott settled the ball near the Chicago 18-yard box. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Young fans on the berm cheered the team as it came onto the field. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Defender Katie Bowen played the ball in near the Chicago goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Midfielder Desiree Scott autographed a jersey for a fan after the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Chicago midfielder Sarah Woldmoe tried so slow a run from forward Michele Vasconcelos. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)
Chicago defender Casey Krueger challenged Kansas City defender Michelle Maemone in the Chicago penalty area. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)