FC Kansas City clinches playoff spot with 3-2 win at Portland

FC Kansas City’s stay atop the National Women’s Soccer League standings is set to be a lengthy one.

The Blues became the first team in the NWSL to clinch a spot in the postseason, fighting off a late flurry from second-place Portland FC for a 3-2 road victory Sunday night.

Playing on national TV for the first time, FC Kansas City stretched its first-place lead to four points with only two regular-season matches remaining.

The Blues have not lost since June 16, a span of 10 matches.

“I have to say, it feels good, but we already talked about that getting to the playoffs isn’t our main goal,” FC Kansas City coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “We’re focused on getting to a championship and winning one. But we feel good about this win.”

Once again, Lauren Holiday was at the center of it. She scored a pair of goals, giving her a league-best 12 for the year.

Both were pretty to watch.

After receiving a pass from Erika Tymrak, Leigh Ann Robinson Merritt Mathias swung a crossing pass to a wide-open Holiday, who opted for the top shelf for a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.

Portland FC midfielder Danielle Foxhoven tied the game six minutes in the second half, but Tymrak found a streaking Holiday for another go-ahead score in the 54th minute.

Kristie Mewis added her first goal of the year for a 3-1 lead before Alex Morgan narrowed the margin to 3-2. Portland failed to find the equalizer but attempted 17 shots while playing from behind. Nicole Barnhart made six saves.

This story was originally published August 4, 2013 at 11:00 PM with the headline "FC Kansas City clinches playoff spot with 3-2 win at Portland."