Headers from balls floated into the box were the downfall for Kansas City in their opening match of the NWSL Challenge Cup as they fell 2-1 to the Portland Thorns. KC NWSL was on the road to face traditional power Portland in their debut and performed well overall in their first match. Both teams had a number of players out on international duty, but Kansas City was additionally short-handed with injuries as well.
Kansas City pressed early but the Thorns grabbed the lead in the 8th minute when Raquel ‘Rocky’ Rodriguez got on the inside of a defender to head home Meghan Klingenberg’s cross from a restart.