BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Kansas City NWSL traveled to face the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night in the team’s final road game of the 2021 regular season.
Chicago got on the board first off an own-goal in the 34th minute, however Defender Hailie Mace quickly answered a few minutes later to equalize the game at 1-1. Chicago found the game winner in the second half and dropped Kansas City 2-1.
Mace said it felt great to finally get her first KC goal, stating, “Bowen served a perfect ball that I was able to get a head on and it’s just really exciting to get that first goal.”
Kansas City’s defense has been a strength the past few games, and it was tested again in the first few minutes of play. After Chicago had a shot ring off the post, Kansas City was able to clear it away from danger. Following that first attack, Kansas City was able to gain a 54 percent possession advantage in the first half and mostly keep Chicago’s attack at bay.
The lone exception was when Chicago broke through Kansas City’s tough defense in the 35th minute. Mallory Pugh sent a corner in for Chicago that found Davidson’s head and then took an unfortunate deflection off KC Defender Kristen Edmonds’ head and into the back of the net to put Chicago up 1-0.
It didn’t take long for Kansas City to respond. Two minutes later, in the 37th minute, Midfielder Katie Bowen sent a cross into Mace who used her head to flick on the ball to the back corner of the net to equalize the game.
Forward Kristen Hamilton nearly found the go-ahead goal for Kansas City a minute after Mace’s equalizer when she launched a shot from 30 yards out that just sailed over the top post.
The second half started with Kansas City attacking and Hamilton coming close to another goal on the back post following a cross in from Forward Darian Jenkins. Kansas City had several opportunities throughout the night for Jenkins and Hamilton, although neither could find the net.
Chicago gained the lead in the 50th minute. Just past the midfield line, Forward Mallory Pugh slotted a ball to Forward Kealia Watt who then found Forward Makenzy Doniak. Doniak slid into her shot and gave the Red Stars the 2-1 lead.
Kansas City returns home for its final two matches of the 2021 Inaugural Season. First up is NJ/NY Gotham FC on Friday at 7 p.m. CT at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kan. They then wrap the regular season on Oct. 30 against OL Reign at 7 p.m. CT at Legends Field. Both matches will stream nationally on Twitch. For tickets visit KCWoSo.com.