FC Kansas City made their first trade in team history today as they sent Mexican international, Renae Cuellar to Seattle for Teresa Noyola, a second round pick, and the rights to Nikki Krzysik.
Cuellar has appeared in 11 of FC Kansas City's 13 games so far this season, starting 8 of them. She's second on the team in goals scored with 5. At the beginning of the season she'd looked extremely solid for the Blues, giving them plenty of speed up top. Since her injury in KC's 4-3 loss in Portland back in early June though her playing time has really started to decrease. Lately it's been Melissa Henderson that has taken over the lone forward position in KC's system.
In return KC is getting Mexican international, Noyola. The midfielder has made 11 appearances so far this season for the Reign. Noyola was also the 2011 Herrmann Award winner for the best female college soccer player.
The second round pick could basically be a throw away. The rights to Krzysik are an interesting addition to the trade. She was a very solid defender in the WPS with Chicago and Philadelphia. She was a first round supplemental draft for Seattle, but had decided not to come back and play. If KC can convince her to come back and play, she'd give KC more depth in back, which would be a plus.
Showing posts with label Renae Cuellar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renae Cuellar. Show all posts
Monday, July 01, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
FCKC End Busy Stretch with Loss
From FC Kansas City.
FC Kansas City and Chicago Red Stars faced off once again after a Kansas City win in Chicago on Thursday. The rematch was played on Verizon Wireless Field in front of 3,421 people and ended with a 3-1 score in favor of Chicago. FC Kansas City players Lauren Cheney, Kristie Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn and Nicole Barnhart were away on international duty for the United States Women’s National Team. Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann were also absent from the ‘Blues’ lineup for Canadian National Team duty. Allocated Mexican forward, Renae Cuellar scored Kansas City’s only goal off of a play up from Courtney Jones in the 3rd minute. For Chicago, Inka Grings, had a goal in the 29th minute assisted by Lori Chalupny. Ella Masar marked a goal in the 58th minute from Taryn Hemmings. Sonja Fuss took credit for the third goal off a penalty kick in the 91st minute. The game was the first home game for FC Kansas City after a three game road trip to Portland, Seattle and Chicago.
The
‘Blues’ were making plays up until the last whistle in tonight’s match.
One extra goal was needed for Kansas City to tie Chicago. In the 91st
minute, Kansas City committed a foul in the box resulting in a penalty
kick and goal for Chicago in the last minutes of play. This moved
Chicago up to 3 goals and not much time to make up the difference for
Kansas City. The ‘Blues’ will be back in action on Verizon Wireless
Field, Sunday, June 23rd against the Washington Spirit.
FC Kansas City and Chicago Red Stars faced off once again after a Kansas City win in Chicago on Thursday. The rematch was played on Verizon Wireless Field in front of 3,421 people and ended with a 3-1 score in favor of Chicago. FC Kansas City players Lauren Cheney, Kristie Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn and Nicole Barnhart were away on international duty for the United States Women’s National Team. Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann were also absent from the ‘Blues’ lineup for Canadian National Team duty. Allocated Mexican forward, Renae Cuellar scored Kansas City’s only goal off of a play up from Courtney Jones in the 3rd minute. For Chicago, Inka Grings, had a goal in the 29th minute assisted by Lori Chalupny. Ella Masar marked a goal in the 58th minute from Taryn Hemmings. Sonja Fuss took credit for the third goal off a penalty kick in the 91st minute. The game was the first home game for FC Kansas City after a three game road trip to Portland, Seattle and Chicago.
When these two clubs met on Thursday, June 13th
the six Kansas City international players were away for duty while
Renae Cuellar was sitting on the bench nursing a leg injury. Chicago
only had two players missing for international duty; Carmelina Moscato
and Erin McLeod were called up to the Canadian Women’s National Team.
This meant that Kansas City was missing seven of the starting eleven
while Chicago was missing two. The ‘Blues’ fought hard and came away
with a 2-0 victory. Casey Loyd and Courtney Jones were credited with the
goals in the first match up. Loyd and Jones were essential part of the
game tonight. Jones had an assist in the first half, and then Loyd took a
beautiful shots on goal after replacing Jones on the pitch in the
second half. Four Kansas City shots were on goal, but Taylor Vancil,
Chicago goalkeeper, saved three.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
FC Kansas City Top Boston Move Into Third
FC Kansas City earned
three points and moved up the National Women’s Soccer League table by
defeating the Boston Breakers 2-0 tonight. Nicole Barnhart earns her
third ‘clean sheet’ with another shutout while Renae Cuellar and Lauren
Cheney scored their fourth and second goals respectively in front of
4,362 fans at Verizon Wireless Field.
The
win bumps FC Kansas City into third place in the NWSL standings with 10
points. The team will be at home again next week to face Sky Blue FC
on Saturday May 25th at 7:35pm. Tickets are available by calling 855.4KC.GOAL or emailing tickets@kcprosoccer.com.
Coming
into tonight’s match, the Boston Breakers were the last remaining
undefeated team in the NWSL, while FC Kansas City was recovering from
their first loss last week. While still early in the season, this game
had the feel of a ‘must-win’ situation for both sides. To make matters
more complicated for Kansas City, center-back and U.S. National Team
allocation, Becky Sauerbrunn, was unavailable due to an injury suffered
against Western New York last week. Taking her place on the back line
tonight was Jen Buczkowski, while Casey Loyd stepped in to fill her role
in the midfield.
Both
players played admirably and held Boston to only five shots on goal.
Nicole Barnhart easily earned her third win, all by shut-out. Renae
Cuellar returned to her goal scoring ways when she slotted home a
breakaway attempt against her teammate on the Mexican National Team,
Cecilia Santiago, in the 17th minute. Lauren Cheney was credited with
the assist on Cuellar’s goal and then notched a score of her own in the
64th minute when she guided in a cross from Casey Loyd on the
left side then using her upper body to deflect the ball inside the near
post.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
FC Kansas City Remain Unbeaten
FC Kansas City continued their unbeaten run to start their inaugural season in the NWSL with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Reign. The Blues made their first trip outside of Kansas City for a league game as they traveled to the Pacific Northwest. KC came out and pressured from the start, similar to what we saw the last time these two teams met last week. The chances though didn't come as readily. KC had one really good chance in the first half as Lauren Cheney worked through the middle of the field and picked out Renae Cuellar in the box, but Seattle keeper Michelle Betos made a couple of saves on the Mexican international.
In the second half the two teams were pushing the game more, Seattle doing a lot more of the attacking as they tried to push the play. Seattle created a few opportunities but Nicole Barnhart was up to the task, making a few saves. As Seattle pushed numbers forward it left them exposed defensively and in the 69th, KC exploited it marvelously. Three FCKC players forced a turn over in their defensive third by Seattle. The ball was then played to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn started the counter attack dribbling into space out of the back and playing the ball wide to Desiree Scott. Scott dribbled the ball up field cutting into the middle. She then returned the ball to Sauerbrunn who had continued her run and overlapped Scott down the wing. Sauerbrunn then played the ball into the middle for Cheney. Cheney looked up and then played the ball to Sauerbrunn who had made her way into the box. Sauerbrunn squared to Cuellar who beat Betos to give KC the lead. Just a beautiful piece of counterattacking soccer and a great example of why players should continue their runs. Sauerbrunn continued hers and was rightly rewarded by both Scott and Cheney. And it's not surprise that instead of players going over to Cuellar immediately after the goal all the players went over to Sauerbrunn.
KC was able to handle Seattle's attack the rest of the game, limiting the chances that Seattle really had as KC cruised to victory.
Blues Player of the Match - Becky Sauerbrunn - Sauerbrunn shut down Seattle's attack for most of the night and had a marvelous run to set up the winner by Cuellar.
In the second half the two teams were pushing the game more, Seattle doing a lot more of the attacking as they tried to push the play. Seattle created a few opportunities but Nicole Barnhart was up to the task, making a few saves. As Seattle pushed numbers forward it left them exposed defensively and in the 69th, KC exploited it marvelously. Three FCKC players forced a turn over in their defensive third by Seattle. The ball was then played to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn started the counter attack dribbling into space out of the back and playing the ball wide to Desiree Scott. Scott dribbled the ball up field cutting into the middle. She then returned the ball to Sauerbrunn who had continued her run and overlapped Scott down the wing. Sauerbrunn then played the ball into the middle for Cheney. Cheney looked up and then played the ball to Sauerbrunn who had made her way into the box. Sauerbrunn squared to Cuellar who beat Betos to give KC the lead. Just a beautiful piece of counterattacking soccer and a great example of why players should continue their runs. Sauerbrunn continued hers and was rightly rewarded by both Scott and Cheney. And it's not surprise that instead of players going over to Cuellar immediately after the goal all the players went over to Sauerbrunn.
KC was able to handle Seattle's attack the rest of the game, limiting the chances that Seattle really had as KC cruised to victory.
Blues Player of the Match - Becky Sauerbrunn - Sauerbrunn shut down Seattle's attack for most of the night and had a marvelous run to set up the winner by Cuellar.
Friday, April 26, 2013
FC Kansas City Post Their First Win
After having a week off due to the situation in Boston last weekend, FC Kansas City was back on the field for their second game of the season against the Seattle Reign at Shawnee Mission District Stadium. A consistent rain throughout the day kept a number of people away, and while announced attendance was just over 4,000, I doubt that many were actually there.
The Blues though came out strong from the start, taking the game to Seattle, but forcing many chances early on. KC did well possession the ball as well, working the ball around the back through Becky Sauerbrunn, Lauren Sesselman, and Nicole Barnhart. After much of the possession early on, FC KC finally broke in the 21st minute. A Lauren Cheney corner kick floated to the back post. The went over the hands of Michelle Betos and was headed in by Sinead Farrelly giving Kansas City the 1-0 lead. Seattle almost responded immediately as a cross from KC's left side was met by Seattle captain Keelin Winters in the middle of the 6 yard box. Winters could only get a toe on the ball and poked it right to Barnhart who had done well to move across her goal mouth. She knocked down the shot and covered the rebound. Seattle continued to pressure KC's goal but the chances that they did create were easily handled by Barnhart. In the 35th though she needed some help as a corner was cleared off the line after she missed going for a corner kick. Desiree Scott though cleared the ball off the line. KC had a few chances late in the half, specifically coming from the set pieces of Cheney she fired a free kick that went through the wall and just wide of the far post, and then off another corner Farrelly headed the ball back Sauerbrunn who couldn't get a clean shot off. KC went in at the half up 1-0.
To start the second half, KC came out and really pushed the game. In the 50th minute KC really should have grabbed a second goal. A Cheney free kick again went through the wall and was saved by Betos at the near post. Betos didn't hold the shot and Sauerbrunn was the first to react, but she fired the rebound off the cross bar from inside the 6 yard box keeping the score 1-0. KC kept pushing the game, Renae Cuellar went down in the box shortly after on a ball over the top but no call was made. Seattle was also trying to find a way into the game too, many of their chances were coming from set pieces, the Reign had a number of long set pieces that bounced in the box that Barnhart did well to handle in the wet conditions. She didn't do as well on a corner in the 63rd. Barnhart did well enough on the first attempt punching the corner out and away, but the ball was crossed back into the box and Barnhart wiffed on that attempt, but Seattle couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. While Seattle searched for the equalizer, they pushed further up the field and in the 71st KC made them pay. Cheney cleared the end for KC up towards Cuellar who was riding the last defender. The ball went into space behind Seattle's defense. Cuellar raced onto the ball took a touch or two and buried the shot past Betos and into the net to double the lead for KC. From there Seattle controlled possession but really it was Kansas City that looked the more likely of the two sides to grab another goal. In the end KC took the game 2-0 getting their first win and first shutout in team history and improved their record to 1-0-1, while Seattle fell to 0-2-1. The two teams meet next week in Seattle's home opener.
Blues Player of the Match - Lauren Cheney - Cheney had a superb game tonight, recording both assists and looking extremely dangerous throughout the game for the Blues.
The Blues though came out strong from the start, taking the game to Seattle, but forcing many chances early on. KC did well possession the ball as well, working the ball around the back through Becky Sauerbrunn, Lauren Sesselman, and Nicole Barnhart. After much of the possession early on, FC KC finally broke in the 21st minute. A Lauren Cheney corner kick floated to the back post. The went over the hands of Michelle Betos and was headed in by Sinead Farrelly giving Kansas City the 1-0 lead. Seattle almost responded immediately as a cross from KC's left side was met by Seattle captain Keelin Winters in the middle of the 6 yard box. Winters could only get a toe on the ball and poked it right to Barnhart who had done well to move across her goal mouth. She knocked down the shot and covered the rebound. Seattle continued to pressure KC's goal but the chances that they did create were easily handled by Barnhart. In the 35th though she needed some help as a corner was cleared off the line after she missed going for a corner kick. Desiree Scott though cleared the ball off the line. KC had a few chances late in the half, specifically coming from the set pieces of Cheney she fired a free kick that went through the wall and just wide of the far post, and then off another corner Farrelly headed the ball back Sauerbrunn who couldn't get a clean shot off. KC went in at the half up 1-0.
To start the second half, KC came out and really pushed the game. In the 50th minute KC really should have grabbed a second goal. A Cheney free kick again went through the wall and was saved by Betos at the near post. Betos didn't hold the shot and Sauerbrunn was the first to react, but she fired the rebound off the cross bar from inside the 6 yard box keeping the score 1-0. KC kept pushing the game, Renae Cuellar went down in the box shortly after on a ball over the top but no call was made. Seattle was also trying to find a way into the game too, many of their chances were coming from set pieces, the Reign had a number of long set pieces that bounced in the box that Barnhart did well to handle in the wet conditions. She didn't do as well on a corner in the 63rd. Barnhart did well enough on the first attempt punching the corner out and away, but the ball was crossed back into the box and Barnhart wiffed on that attempt, but Seattle couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. While Seattle searched for the equalizer, they pushed further up the field and in the 71st KC made them pay. Cheney cleared the end for KC up towards Cuellar who was riding the last defender. The ball went into space behind Seattle's defense. Cuellar raced onto the ball took a touch or two and buried the shot past Betos and into the net to double the lead for KC. From there Seattle controlled possession but really it was Kansas City that looked the more likely of the two sides to grab another goal. In the end KC took the game 2-0 getting their first win and first shutout in team history and improved their record to 1-0-1, while Seattle fell to 0-2-1. The two teams meet next week in Seattle's home opener.
Blues Player of the Match - Lauren Cheney - Cheney had a superb game tonight, recording both assists and looking extremely dangerous throughout the game for the Blues.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
FC Kansas City Draw Their Home Opener
FC Kansas City started the first game of their history and the NWSL history strong, scoring inside the first 5 minutes, but were outplayed by Portland in the second half and had to settle for the draw after Christine Sinclair scored a penalty kick in the second half.
KC came out with some fire early and in only the 3rd minute grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top by Kristie Mewis was settled well by Reane Cuellar. Cuellar held off her defender well as she drove into the box and fired a shot that beat Karina LeBlanc for the historic first goal in the team and league's history to give KC the lead. The half remained open with KC looking to continue playing balls into Cuellar. The Mexican international was a big handful for the Portland defense in the first half as they struggled to deal with her size. As the half wore on Portland started to get more of the game. The FCKC defense though held strong and kept the high powered attack of Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair in check for much of the game.
In the second half Portland continued to attack and actually controlled more of the game. Much of the game was played in KC's end of the field as Portland's midfield was able to overwhelm KC's midfield. Cuellar became completely isolated up top as Portland wouldn't give KC time. Then in the 67th a ball was played through KC's defense for substitute Danielle Foxhoven. Foxhoven held off Lauren Sesselman but as Sesselman tried to get by, she fouled Foxhoven and the referee pointed to the spot. Sinclair stepped up and beat Nicole Barnhart. As the rest of the game went on KC started to get a few chances but neither side really tested the opposing defense the rest of the way as the game ended 1-1 for the league opener.
KC came out with some fire early and in only the 3rd minute grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top by Kristie Mewis was settled well by Reane Cuellar. Cuellar held off her defender well as she drove into the box and fired a shot that beat Karina LeBlanc for the historic first goal in the team and league's history to give KC the lead. The half remained open with KC looking to continue playing balls into Cuellar. The Mexican international was a big handful for the Portland defense in the first half as they struggled to deal with her size. As the half wore on Portland started to get more of the game. The FCKC defense though held strong and kept the high powered attack of Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair in check for much of the game.
In the second half Portland continued to attack and actually controlled more of the game. Much of the game was played in KC's end of the field as Portland's midfield was able to overwhelm KC's midfield. Cuellar became completely isolated up top as Portland wouldn't give KC time. Then in the 67th a ball was played through KC's defense for substitute Danielle Foxhoven. Foxhoven held off Lauren Sesselman but as Sesselman tried to get by, she fouled Foxhoven and the referee pointed to the spot. Sinclair stepped up and beat Nicole Barnhart. As the rest of the game went on KC started to get a few chances but neither side really tested the opposing defense the rest of the way as the game ended 1-1 for the league opener.
Friday, January 11, 2013
FC Kansas City Allocated First Players
FC Kansas City has some players. Today the NWSL released the locations where the 55 national team pool players would be allocated. And while they didn't have the "best" allocation at least from initially eye-balling the list (that award goes to Portland which lands both Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair), the Blues picked up a decent core of players.
FCKC got the US number two goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart. The 31 year old Barnhart has been a regular with the US national team, usually as a back up to starter, Hope Solo. But Barnhart does have 46 national team caps, and should give KC a good strong start in the back. In Lauren Cheney they got a midfielder who should be able to do a decent job of pulling the strings in the midfield for the Blues and has already appeared 82 times, scoring 18 goals for the US team. The final US player allocated to KC was defender Becky Sauerbrunn. This move made sense in the fact that Sauerbrunn is from St. Louis so this is a short trip from home for her. Sauerbrunn has 37 caps currently for the US national team.
From Canada, KC picked up midfielder Desiree Scott. Scott was on the Canadian team that took the bronze medal in London and has appeared for Canada 53 times. The other Canadian on the roster is defender Lauren Sesselmann. The 29 year old is actually from Wisconsin but has appeared 26 times for the Canadian team.
KC's two Mexican players are also US citizens. Renae Nicole Cuellar is a forward who actually just finished her senior year at Oklahoma and has participated in the FIFA U20 World Cup with Mexico. She was an alternate for the 2011 World Cup. Marylin Diaz is a 21 year old defender who played for Mexico in the Women's World Cup.
On first glance, KC has the beginnings of a good defense with Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Sesselmann to anchor the defense. With Cheney in the midfield, KC will have some attack from the midfield, while Scott, "The Destroyer" will probably cover more of the defensive duties. Cuellar though is the only forward on the roster now. So expect that to be a place for Vlatko Andonovski to look to improve immediately either through free agency or the draft next week (or both). Definitely a good start and "back bone" for the team.
FCKC got the US number two goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart. The 31 year old Barnhart has been a regular with the US national team, usually as a back up to starter, Hope Solo. But Barnhart does have 46 national team caps, and should give KC a good strong start in the back. In Lauren Cheney they got a midfielder who should be able to do a decent job of pulling the strings in the midfield for the Blues and has already appeared 82 times, scoring 18 goals for the US team. The final US player allocated to KC was defender Becky Sauerbrunn. This move made sense in the fact that Sauerbrunn is from St. Louis so this is a short trip from home for her. Sauerbrunn has 37 caps currently for the US national team.
From Canada, KC picked up midfielder Desiree Scott. Scott was on the Canadian team that took the bronze medal in London and has appeared for Canada 53 times. The other Canadian on the roster is defender Lauren Sesselmann. The 29 year old is actually from Wisconsin but has appeared 26 times for the Canadian team.
KC's two Mexican players are also US citizens. Renae Nicole Cuellar is a forward who actually just finished her senior year at Oklahoma and has participated in the FIFA U20 World Cup with Mexico. She was an alternate for the 2011 World Cup. Marylin Diaz is a 21 year old defender who played for Mexico in the Women's World Cup.
On first glance, KC has the beginnings of a good defense with Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Sesselmann to anchor the defense. With Cheney in the midfield, KC will have some attack from the midfield, while Scott, "The Destroyer" will probably cover more of the defensive duties. Cuellar though is the only forward on the roster now. So expect that to be a place for Vlatko Andonovski to look to improve immediately either through free agency or the draft next week (or both). Definitely a good start and "back bone" for the team.
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