FC Kansas City supporters may witness the revival of Sydney Leroux. Amy Rodriguez may excite the Blues’ fans as well. NWSL fans may talk about the powerful attack of Kansas City while forgetting how the defense have been championship ready since last season. Leroux and Rodriguez have got to get in the groove of playing until they’re world class again. The veterans have a reputation to uphold as being elite players.
FC Kansas City Could Bring Their Shade Of Blue into the Top Four
The Blues were saying they were rebuilding last season. Kansas City finished that wall of a defense with the leadership of Becky Sauerbrunn and Nicole Barnhart during the campaign. FC Kansas City proved they were playoff ready when they defeated Portland in Oregon on July 9. The Thorns would eventually humiliate the Washington Spirit, last year’s NWSL Championship runners-up, at Providence Park. FC Kansas City was organized and tough on defense in their two to one victory. The Blues used their defense to slow the game down so their offense can develop.
FC Kansas City’s defense first strategy cultivated two great players. Shea Groom is now an American international for her knack of scoring goals. Erika Tymrak is the link up midfielder the Blues need to be a top four contender.
Kansas City’s setback is the possible switch in their style of play. As Sydney and Amy regain their soccer legs, the defense may continue to be the foundation. The returning forwards’ progress may determine if the Blues can become just as intimating when they’re attacking the opponent.
The Blues will likely keep the 4-3-3 formation with the emergence of Groom. In Kansas City’s victory against Portland, they played from the right then crossed the ball left to step up the attack. Leroux and Rodriguez’s progression back into league play will cause disruption of how the rest of the ladies usually play.
FC Kansas City must learn to be more creative when attacking. If Amy and Sydney show their class, the defense must be on toes while the offense has possession for most of the game. The Blues can entertain but it shouldn’t be at the expense of a maintaining a disciplined backline.
The Blues just might be the most complete team in the National Women’s Soccer League. FC Kansas City will be on national television once in North Carolina on June 3. The Lifetime Network needs great crowd atmospheres to sell the league to new viewers. The Blues could be televised at least two more times when they’re in the playoffs.
