KC NWSL scoreless stalemate versus Courage

Forward Kristen Hamilton lunged for a ball along the endline in the Kansas City NWSL 0-0 draw versus the North Carolina Courage Sunday evening at Legends Field. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Kansas City NWSL played the North Carolina Courage to a scoreless draw Sunday evening at Legends Field. The game earned the club its third consecutive home match without a loss, and another scarce point in the league standings.

The clean sheet was a marked defensive improvement from the 4-0 away loss suffered to the Courage at the last meeting on Aug. 21 in North Carolina.

Kansas City goalkeeper Adrianna Franch made a diving save on an 18th minute shot from Jessica McDonald that could have changed the outcome. Franch made 5 saves in the match.

Kansas City’s best opportunity came in the 65th minute, but Hailie Mace’s wide-open shot cleared the crossbar. Kansas City pressed forward consistently throughout, earning 9 corner kicks. The Courage defense successfully parried the 21 crosses that formed a large part of the KC attack.

Kansas City will have a three-week break and will resume play with an away game against the Washington Spirit on Sept. 26. KC’s next home match will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 2  against the Houston Dash.

Forward Jéssica Silva made a sharp reverse on Courage defender Merritt Mathias to get some open space. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Forward Kristen Hamilton and Courage midfielder Cari Roccaro fought for a ball near the North Carolina goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Defender Rachel Corsie headed the ball off a corner kick. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Defender Victoria Pickett won a header over Courage defender Merritt Mathias. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Midfielder Hailie Mace took a shot in the second half. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Defender Kiki Pickett took a throw in. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Forward Jéssica Silva made a run in toward the North Carolina goal. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Forward Jéssica Silva contested a ball in the air against Courage defender Merritt Mathias. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

The loaded nachos from the Coco Loco food truck were really tasty. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)