FC Kansas City uses second-half burst to defeat Houston Dash 4-0

After the loss to the Portland Thorns in the third game of the season, coach Vlatko Andonovski told FC Kansas City that something needed to change and they would have to be the ones to do it.

His message seems to have struck a chord now that FC Kansas City has won two straight games, including an explosive 4-0 victory against the Houston Dash on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The Blues, who scored only one goal in each of their four previous matches, improved their record to 2-2-1.

“I have to say that I am very happy with the performance of all the players and obviously happy with the result,” Andonovski said.

Liz Bogus gave FC Kansas City an early lead with a goal in the 13th minute, but it was not until the second half that the Blues really hit their stride.

Amy Rodriguez

scored her fourth goal in five games, this one in the 48th minute off an assist from Lauren Holiday, giving the Blues their first two-goal lead of the season. Erika Tymrak added a goal in the 80th minute, and newcomer Frances Silva capped it off with a score in the 89th minute on an assist from Holiday.

“They changed the approach of the game and the attitude of the game,” Andonovski said. “They came out and did what we do best. We knocked the ball around, created opportunities, and one thing that was different than the other games was we capitalized on every opportunity.”

FC Kansas City had 23 shots, which included 15 on goal, and held the Dash to five shots with three on goal. It was the second straight shutout for Nicole Barnhart, the 2013 National Women’s Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year. Barnhart had three saves.

This story was originally published May 3, 2014 at 10:51 PM with the headline "FC Kansas City uses second-half burst to defeat Houston Dash 4-0."