Jayhawks Fall to FC Kansas City, 2-0

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The stifling defense of the National Women’s Soccer League’s defending champion proved to be too much for Kansas soccer, as the Jayhawks fell, 2-0, to FC Kansas City in the exhibition Tuesday night inside Rock Chalk Park.
 
“I like what we did in the defensive third tonight, but going to the middle third to the attacking third is where we really struggled,” said head coach Mark Francis. “A lot of that was due to them (FCKC) because they closed us down so fast. That was good for us though; we need to get better at playing under pressure and playing quicker. This was a good learning experience for us.”
 
FC Kansas City, which is preparing to kick off its defense of the NWSL crown in two weeks, got out to an early lead when midfielder Erika Tymrak rifled in a shot in the second minute from the top of the box that snuck in just underneath the crossbar.
 
Despite the early deficit, Kansas’ defense held strong for the remainder of the first half against the squad that dispatched of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 8-1, in exhibition play two weeks ago. The Jayhawks allowed only one more FCKC goal when forward Shea Groom tapped in a ball sent across the six-yard box eight minutes into the second frame.
 
The all-star FCKC defense made it difficult for the Jayhawk offense to find their rhythm throughout the match, as the home team managed to test the Blues’ keeper only once.
 
 
The Jayhawks will return to Rock Chalk Park this Friday, April 3, for their third game of the spring season to face the Drake Bulldogs at 7 p.m. 
 
 
 
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