Jayhawks fall to FC Kansas City, 3-1
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Despite grabbing an early lead against the two-time champions of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Kansas soccer team was unable to quiet the opposing offense, as the Jayhawks fell, 3-1, to FC Kansas City in an exhibition match Monday night inside Rock Chalk Park.
“When you’re playing professionals, you know they’re going to be faster, stronger and quicker than you are,” said head coach Mark Francis. “But I thought we did a really good job defensively tonight. The kids in the back played really well, especially considering the caliber of players they were going up against. We competed really well and made it difficult for them. There are definitely some things to build on from tonight.”
Kansas get out to strong start in the early minutes of the match. Sophomore Grace Hagan found n open Lois Heuchan at the top of the FCKC box with a pass from the right wing. Heuchan beat the goalkeeper to the ball, used one dribble to evade her and slotted home her first goal of the spring. The goal gave the Jayhawks an early 1-0 lead, but still with 80 minutes to play in the match.
The visitors struck back just a minute later and claimed the lead with a penalty kick goal in the 21st minute.
The Jayhawks once again gave the professionals fits over the majority of the second half as they were able to keep the deficit at one goal for nearly the whole period. FCKC tacked on their third and final goal with just over 10 minutes remaining to seal their 3-1 win.
“Overall, I thought we definitely committed to working hard on the defensive end and it made a difference in the game,” Francis concluded. “It was nice to get a goal against these guys, too. Lois did a great job of anticipating the pass and she finished it really well. A lot of good things happened tonight.”
Kansas will now hit the road its first of two away contests in its spring season. The Jayhawks will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, April 12. Kickoff from Fayetteville is slated for 1 p.m.
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