Kansas City NWSL Continues Unbeaten Streak at Home with Scoreless Draw Against the Portland Thorns

KANSAS CITY (Oct. 10, 2021) – Kansas City NWSL faced off against the Portland Thorns for the third time this season, and only the first time at home at Legends Field. Adrianna Franch recorded her second clean sheet with Kansas City as she led the team to a 0-0 draw against the NWSL leaders. The draw marks the fifth straight match at home with at least a point for Kansas City.

Following a pre-game ceremony to honor midfielder Desiree Scott for earning her 100th NWSL regular season appearance, Kansas City Captain Rachel Corsie was honored just seconds into the opening of the match as she made her 100th NWSL regular season appearance. Corsie played the full 90 minutes of the match and was a key part of the shutout held by Kansas City. 

Corsie was honored to reach the century club with current teammate Scott. “It’s really nice. Desi and I hoped it would be on the same day, but it was close. We’ve committed a lot of our lives to push the game and there have been times in my career I didn’t think I would even play professionally. To be here is very special and to do it with great people, professionals, and legends.“

After a hard week for the NWSL players, a moment of unity for both teams came in the sixth minute as players from both teams came together in the center circle for a powerful display of togetherness.

It was an equal game after that with both sides seeing chances. Kansas City saw one of its best chances in the 37th minute. Kristen Hamilton was found streaking towards the Thorn’s backline and was able to place her shot to the back of the net. Despite the fans cheering and goal horn blaring, the referee indicated a foul against Hamilton prior to the shot and the goal was taken off the board. 

Kansas City opened the second half on the front foor through the first ten minutes of the second half. Midiflelder Lo’eau LaBonta chipped a perfect lob to Hamilton who dribbled into the box for a near post chance. Unfortunately for Kansas City, Portland’s goalkeeper Bella Bixby dove on top of it. 

Portland’s most dangerous moment occurred in the 85th minute when the Thorns were awarded a penalty kick after a hard tackle in the box. Forward and Captain Christine Sinclair took to the spot to take the penalty and hit the shot off the left post and away from danger.

Kansas City will now remain at Legends Field on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. CT to take on the Houston Dash. The game will stream nationally on Paramount+. For tickets visit kansascitycurrent.com.

NWSL Match Report
Match: Kansas City NWSL vs Portland Thorns
Date: October 10, 2021
Venue: Legends Field, Kansas City, Kansas
Kickoff: 4:08 p.m. CT, 5:08 p.m. ET
Weather: 72 degrees, cloudy
Attendance: 5,438

Discipline
None

Scoring Summary

Lineups:
Kansas City: Franch, Corsie©, Ball, Weber, Pickett, K., Scott, Edmonds (72’ McCain), Bowen (77’ Del Fava), LaBonta, Jenkins (83’ Larroquette), Hamilton
Substitutes Not Used: Rowland, Leach, Maemone, Miramontez, Nolf, Silva

Portland: Bixby, Klingenberg, Sauerbrunn, Menges, Kuikka (90’+3’ Hubbly), Horan (79’ Ryan), Salem, Rodriguez, Smith (61’’ Charley), Dunn (61’ Weaver), Sinclair©.
Substitutes Not Used: Smith, Boureille, Everett, Lussi, Moultrie