By Juan Carlos Maygua
Chicago Red Stars and Kansas City jumped into action for the second game in the Challenge Cup. Both teams arrived at the game without a win, so they had a key motivating factor. Kansas City is still adapting to the new system, something that might not favor them, but the potential to grow and achieve things is present game after game.
The matchup between Julie Ertz and Amy Rodriguez was key if any of the teams were looking to obtain the 3 points. The first half saw a contested game in the midfield. Both teams lacked transition in the passing sequences, making the game difficult to predict. The second half saw more of the same, but it wasn’t until the 79th minute of the game that saw a change in the scoreboard. Amy Rodriguez grabbed an assist after a long ball from her goalkeeper. In a play of pure soccer IQ, Rodriguez broke away from her defender with one movement.
Chicago Red Stars didn’t take long and equalized through Katie Johnson roughly 3 minutes after Kansas. The game ended in a tie that was a bittersweet result for both teams in terms of aspirations for the upcoming games. Kansas however, achieved their first point as a club. Something that was highlighted by their manager, although he was disappointed by the result.
The next games for both teams will determine their future in the Challenge Cup, Kansas City will play their first home game in the franchise’s history. “Kansas City is a soccer town and we’re excited to play in front of our fans, said Kansas City head coach. A bittersweet result for both teams, but they have a few days to prepare and perhaps turn things around.