On Sunday evening, Sky Blue FC defeated FC Kansas City at home for the first time in franchise history. A late goal by Raquel Rodriduez solidified the home opener win for Sky Blue.
Despite an equal battle in the middle of the park, Kansas City had the best chances of the first half, including a 1v1 contest in the 36th minute between Kansas City’s Brittany Ratcliffe and Sky Blue keeper Kailen Sheridan.
36′ – @FCKansasCity‘s @brit_ratcliffe splits the defense but @SkyBlueFC goalkeeper @Kailen_Sheridan comes up with the save!!! #NJvKC pic.twitter.com/Qhfw4QfTNW
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 30, 2017
In the second half, Nicole Barnhart made an excellent save on a shot from Daphne Corboz in the 78th minute to keep the game scoreless. Corboz and Kelley O’Hara worked a nice give-and-go to set up the chance:
78′ – @SkyBlueFC‘s @DaphCorboz with a dangerous shot inside the box but big save from @FCKansasCity gk @nbarnhart!!! pic.twitter.com/ZgEfx3XW9E
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 30, 2017
However, the breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute. Some suspect set-piece defending from Kansas City left both Mandy Freeman and Rodriguez open in the box on an O’Hara corner kick. Freeman was able to collect the corner and tap the ball to Rodriguez, who hit it in the back of the net to give her team the 1-0 lead.
83′ – @raque_rocky with the goal to give @SkyBlueFC a 1-0 advantage late in this game. #NJvKC pic.twitter.com/cDHYeANe1d
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 30, 2017
FC Kansas City nearly found an equalizer in the 88th minute, but the play was called offside:
88′ – @FCKansasCity nearly finds the equalizer but it is called back for offside. #NJvKC pic.twitter.com/XXQApdxU2J
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 30, 2017
Next up for Sky Blue FC is an away date against the Washington Spirit next Saturday, while FC Kansas City returns home to host the Orlando Pride on Sunday.
