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Press nets brace, but Hagen equalizes late for KC

Christen Press scored a brace in Chicago's 2-1 preseason win over the Dash.
Christen Press now has eight goals in six games. (Photo Copyright Erica McCaulley for The Equalizer)

Christen Press now has eight goals in six games. (Photo Copyright Erica McCaulley for The Equalizer)

Christen Press scored twice on Saturday at Benedictine University to give her eight goals in six NWSL matches this season, but it wasn’t enough for the Chicago Red Stars in a 2-2 draw with FC Kansas City. Sarah Hagen scored the late equalizer for Kansas City.

Press opened the scoring in the 12th minute, pouncing on a rare mistake from the Red Stars’ back four and touching the ball around on-rushing rookie goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland, playing in just her second NWSL game. Press tapped the ball into the empty net for the early lead.

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Amy LePeilbet equalized for FC Kansas City just before halftime, heading in a ball at the near post off of Lauren Holiday’s corner kick.

Press pulled off the spectacular in the 74th minute, scoring what looked like it would be the game-winner. With her back to goal from 15 yards out, Press faked a shot to her right and dragged the ball back across her body, swiveling to set up her left foot and curling the ball over an outstretched Rowland.

Four minutes later, Danielle Colaprico sent a long-range, left-footed effort off the crossbar.

FC Kansas City, however, would not go away. Hagen got on the end of an 86th minute cross to head the ball past Red Stars goalkeeper Michelle Dalton and into the net, earning the Blues a crucial point on the road. Last Wednesday, Hagen scored an 85th minute equalizer against Houston, but Carli Lloyd scored two minutes later to win the match for Houston and bump the defending champion Blues out of playoff positioning. On Saturday, FC Kansas City held on for the draw, leaving them one point behind the fourth-place Dash, who lost to the Washington Spirit earlier Saturday.

Chicago (7-1-6, 27 pts.) is now 3 pts. behind the league-leading Seattle Reign FC, who defeated the Boston Breakers earlier on Saturday. The Red Stars play four of their final six matches at home.

FC Kansas City next opens up a four-game home stand, beginning next Saturday.

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