FC Kansas City Blues prepare for National Women’s Soccer League playoffs
All the trouble FC Kansas City went through during the season-ending stretch of five games in 14 days has finally paid off.
The Blues wrapped up a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs and secured home field advantage in the semifinals during that stretch, but perhaps most importantly they earned a two-week break before having to play again.
“Before that last stretch of games we had one goal in mind and that was getting second place, and we did it before the last game,” coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “Regardless of how well or badly we did that is all behind us now, though, and we have to get ready for the playoffs.”
FCKC finished out the regular season last Saturday and Andonovski gave the players a few days to refresh physically and mentally before beginning two-a-days again on Thursday and Friday. The Blues had a regular practice on Saturday.
The only downside to finishing the season a full week before most of the rest of the league was that the Blues have also had to wait to learn the identity of their opponent. Andonovski said the players have not let that spoil the downtime.
“It’s good for us that we can take some days and let the girls enjoy it, but we will be watching the games,” Andonovski said.
FC Kansas City, as the No. 2 seed, will host the No. 3 seed at noon on Aug. 23 at UMKC’s Durwood Stadium. Which team will fill the No. 3 seed has yet to be determined.
To reach Kathleen Gier, call 816-234-4875 or send email to kgier@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 16, 2014 at 6:54 PM with the headline "FC Kansas City Blues prepare for National Women’s Soccer League playoffs."