Erika Tymrak scored a goal for the all-time highlight reel, but the Dash had the last strike in a 2-2 draw. (Photo Copyright FC Kansas City/John Rieger)
Tiffany McCarty’s 78th minute goal have the Dash a surprise, 2-2 draw at FC Kansas City on Sunday night at Durwood Stadium. The draw snapped the Dash’s losing streak at four games.
Earlier, Jordan Jackson’s first professional goal ended their scoreless streak at 384 minutes. Kansas City scored twice with the help of Erika Tymrak who assisted on a goal to Lauren Holiday and then scored one of her own on a magnificent, individual effort.
The Blues came out with immediate pressure and after nearly scoring in the opening 30 seconds, converted in the 2nd minute after Tymrak jumped in to take away Osinachi Ohale’s pass into midfield. As Tymrak dribbled towards the top of the 18, Holly Hein went to offer defensive support, a move that allowed Holiday to sneak into the box, where Tymrak found her with a slick pass. The finish was just as good and Kansas City went up 1-0 in the 2nd minute.
The Dash leveled it in the 19th minute on a play that began with Teresa Noyola delivering a direct ball to Nina Burger up the right side. The Austrian’s first-touch cross split the Kansas City center backs and Jackson ran onto it for the finish. It was a fine moment for the Dash rookie who grew up in nearby Overland Park, Kansas.
The goal that will be talked about for awhile came off the foot of Tymrak in the 36th minute. Another questionable ball by Ohale was challenged in the attacking third and it squirted free to Tymrak who found herself 1-v-1 with Ohale on the left side. Last year’s NWSL Rookie of the Year calmly put the ball through Ohale’s legs, ran around the Nigerian center back, took two touches towards the goal, and then with her third touch unleashed a perfect shot that hit the far post and nestled behind Erin McLeod.
FC Kansas City were unable to keep the pressure on in the 2nd half and what had been an excellent display of team defending began to unravel late. A Dash throw in found its way to Ella Masar, who played it near McCarty just inside the 18. McCarty maneuvered around Becky Sauerbrunn to gain a strong position and finished just inside the near post for the goal that sealed the 2-2 result.
The Dash (1-5-1, 4 pts.) return to Houston where they will host the Red Stars on Friday night. FC Kansas City (3-4-2, 11 pts.) continue their grueling month with a Wednesday home date against the undefeated Seattle Reign.
