Photo courtesy FCKansasCity.com
Over 3,500 fans came out to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City to watch National Women’s Soccer League play with the return of seven FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions. FC Kansas City and the Houston Dash played to a 1-1 draw in front of a sellout crowd.
Just before the half, World Cup final MVP Carli Lloyd gave the Dash a 1-0 lead with a free kick that hit the post before bouncing off of goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart’s back and into the net in the 45th minute. Ten minutes into the second half, Kansas City got a break when Dash defender Toni Pressley tried to clear a low cross from Heather O’Reilly but the ball hit the top of her own net to even the score a 1-1 in the 55th minute.
Carli Lloyd (10 orange), World Cup MVP, lines up for a free kick against FC Kansas City. She scored on the play.
Amy Rodriguez, Lauren Holiday, Becky Sauerbrunn and Heather O’Reilly, who all played for the U.S.A., returned to Kansas City on Saturday for their first practice with the Blues since winning the World Cup. Carli Lloyd, Meghan Klingenberg, and Morgan Brian were on the Houston roster.
This game has been sold out for quite awhile and just a few standing room only tickets were available as of Sunday, with anticipation for seeing the heroes in action.
Watch the opening ceremonies and the full game from last night. Video/NWSL Soccer
The Blues are in fourth place with an overall record of 5-5-3 and 18 points. They have four more home games in August.
Next up, the Blues and the Dash will meet for the third and final time this season on Wednesday, July 29 in Houston.
