FC Kansas City (3-1-1) is undefeated at home since the second week of the season. On Saturday they are set to play Sky Blue (5-1-1) and will attempt to extend this streak. The likelihood of this happening is greater now that Kristie Mewis has expanded her role and become a key player for FCKC.
FC Kansas City vs. Sky Blue FC: Preview
FC Kansas City are undefeated at home, but on Saturday, they host a Sky Blue team that has won two consecutive away games against Portland and Seattle.
Brendon Thorne
Mewis has become opportunistic in recent weeks, taking shots on-goal from a distance with her left foot. Last week against Boston she spent more time on the ball and pushed up closer to the 18-yard box on several occasions due to the lax defending from Boston’s back line.
Jim Gabarra will keep SBFC fans guessing about Kelley O’Hara’s position on Saturday. In another installment of the #officerKOonthelookoutfor game -- it is fair to assume that O’Hara will continue to play along the back which might result in Kendall Johnson moving into the midfield. FCKC packs a powerful front line including Lauren Cheney, Renae Cuellar and midfielder Mewis, therefore, SBFC must remain alert and push back against the FCKC offense. O’Hara moving into the back is a smart decision because she can read developing attacks better than most. In a back line consisting of Christie Rampone, Coco Goodson and Caitlin Foord, O’Hara could help Sky Blue record another clean sheet.
Unfortunately, if O’Hara is in defense, Lisa De Vanna might struggle. She doesn’t appear to have the same chemistry with the team’s other forwards. This was evident when Sky Blue played Portland. Katy Freels managed to take a handful of shots on-goal but De Vanna struggled alongside Danesha Adams.
Opportunistic super-sub Taylor Lytle will likely enter in the second half in order to provide fresh legs and a new game plan after viewing the progress from the sidelines. Lytle has scored in her last two matches and is slowly becoming Gabarra’s secret weapon when the match produces an unproductive back and forth flow.
FC Kansas City Injuries
OUT: N/A
Sky Blue FC Injuries
OUT: Brittany Bock
DOUBTFUL: Jill Loyden
Match Date/Time: Saturday May 25, 8:35 pm ET
Venue: Verizon Wireless Field, Overland Park, KS
Online: NWSLSoccer YouTube Channel
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