Tymrak adding a spark for FC Kansas City
Searching for a spark in May, FC Kansas City coach Vlatko Andonovski seems to have found it in midfielder Erika Tymrak.
Tymrak, who was the 2013 National Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Year, had a slow start and is coming off an injury. But she has scored in each of the last two matches. She now has three goals and an assist in the seven games she’s played in this season.
“Even though the team has been doing such a good job, it is really tough watching and almost sad that I can’t be out there helping them,” Tymrak said of the time she was out. “The fact that I can be out there helping and creating opportunities feels great.”
The Blues will need her speed and agility when they face the top-ranked and undefeated Seattle Reign FC at 7 p.m. Wednesday at UMKC’s Durwood Stadium. It will be the second meeting in a week for the two teams with Seattle taking the first game 3-2.
In her first game back, Tymrak subbed in during the 57th minute with FC Kansas City trailing Seattle Reign FC 2-1 and scored the equalizer moments later.
She returned to the starting lineup against the Houston Dash on Sunday and again made her presence known quickly. In the second minute of the game, she assisted on Lauren Holiday’s goal and then scored on a nutmeg in the 36th minute.
“She got the ball the first time and we scored a goal and then she got the ball again and scored the nicest goal you are going to see this season,” Andonovski said. “She is coming off an injury, had a couple games and probably isn’t 90-minutes ready, but I am proud of her for stepping in and playing 90 minutes, first for the way she played and also for playing hard all the way through.”
To reach Kathleen Gier, call 816-234-4875 or send email to kgier@kcstar.com. Follow her at twitter.com/kgier.
Seattle Reign FC at FCKC
WHEN: 7 tonight at UMKC’s Durwood Stadium
TV: TWCSC
This story was originally published May 20, 2014 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Tymrak adding a spark for FC Kansas City."