NWSL: FC Kansas City – 2017 Season Preview

The two-time league champions, FC Kansas City look to return to the NWSL Playoffs in 2017, after a disappointing finish last year.

2016 was the first time at FC Kansas City experience a down year in their four seasons in the NWSL. After claiming the 2014 & 2015 NWSL titles, the club slipped to a sixth place finish and missed the playoffs for the first time.

However, with the return of star forwards Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux, ambitions, and expectations, are high for 2017. The Blues host the only Sunday match on opening weekend, as host the Boston Breakers at Swope Soccer Village.

Last season

Record: 7-5-8 (26 points)

Finishing Position: 6th

Postseason: N/A

After going undefeated in the 2016 preseason, things seems to be staying the course for the then-defending champions. However, KC opened the season with six matches without a win, including four losses. Oddly the team seemed to play better on the road than at home, with five of their seven wins coming away from Swope Soccer Village.

Winning three of their last four matches on the season, FC Kansas City made a push for the playoffs, but ultimately fell six points short. Shea Groom filled in for the two USWNT strikers, and led the team with eight goals in 2016. Her production was almost everything the team had going forward those, with the next best finisher only netting three times all year.

Players Out:

• Amanda Frisbie
• Caroline Kastor
• Frances Silva
• Heather O’Reilly
• Jen Buczkowski
• Molly Menchel
• Tiffany McCarty
• Tiffany Weimer

Players In:

• Cat Parkhill
• Sydney Leroux
• Amy Rodriguez
• Christina Gibbons
• Becca Moros

Note: The club still have two roster places open.

Projected Starting XI on Opening Weekend

Groom could also get a starting nod for opening day after a strong preseason. While the final positions on the backline see movement over the first few weeks of the season.

2017 Predictions

The FC Kansas City defense was as strong as any in the league during 2016, and looks likely to continue that form. With Sauerbrunn in the center of the backline, Barnhart in goal the the promising rookie Gibbons, expect an increase in clean sheets.

Also helping that stat, and their point total for the year, will be getting both Rodriguez and Leroux back into the attack. Next to last in goals for last season, with Groom as the third option, FC Kansas City should have no issues getting back into the playoffs:

Prediction: 3rd Place

NWSL 2017 Team Previews

• Boston Breakers
• Orlando Pride
• Houston Dash