FC Kansas City trying to limit set-piece goals

Despite watching FC Kansas City’s four-game shutout streak end on Saturday, coach Vlatko Andonovski is still proud of his team’s success in a closely related defensive category.

The Blues, 3-3-1, have not been scored on during the run of play since April 18, meaning Chicago’s two goals Saturday came off set pieces.

“It wasn’t like someone was wide open and scored a goal,” Andonovski said. “We just have to be more focused and concentrate when it’s a one-on-one battle inside of the box.”

FC Kansas City held Chicago to just seven shots in the match, and Nicole Barnhart collected four saves. Amy LePeilbet, who returned from an ACL surgery last season, scored her first goal of the year in the 2-1 loss.

The Blues will have one more chance before the FIFA Women’s World Cup group-stage break to get back on track. They face the Boston Breakers at 6 p.m. Saturday at Harvard University. The game will be streamed at fckansascity.com/live-feed.

“It’s hard to match up with them because you don’t know what to expect,” Andonovski said. “At the same time, I think we have been playing well, which should make it easier.”

Although their roles are a little different now, the Blues should have an inkling of the potential from two former teammates now playing for the Breakers.

Kassey Kallman and Lee’s Summit North graduate Morgan Marlborough were traded for Heather O’Reilly in the offseason. O’Reilly is currently with the U.S. women’s national team preparing for the World Cup.

This will be the Blues’ final game before a two-week break. They will return to action on June 19 in Portland, but will not play again at home until July 3.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "FC Kansas City trying to limit set-piece goals."