FC Kansas City and the Chicago Red Stars played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City, Missouri.The tie eliminates FC Kansas City (7-9-6, 27 points) from playoff contention. The Red Stars (10-6-6, 36 points) had a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win, but will have to wait until September 23rd for another chance at booking a spot in the postseason. After a rough first half of the season, FC Kansas City came on strong down the stretch, losing only once in their last six games, but it wasn’t enough to make up ground in the race to the top four spots. “If we could just extend the season a little bit longer, that would be great,” [FC Kansas City defender **Becky Sauerbrunn** told Dalen Cuff on Lifetime after the game](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/videos/22103920). “Looking towards next year, we just gotta make sure we find our stride a little bit quicker because I think we have the talent to make playoffs. It’s just we have to find our stride a lot sooner.” The Blues had a few late chances to score and keep their season alive, but Red Stars goalkeeper [**Alyssa Naeher**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/cbhcuvuqi3gxgln6n463vz9at) was up to the challenge and earned the shutout. She made two strong saves on FC Kansas City’s best chances of the match in the 87th minute. [Empty Body] [**Sydney Leroux**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/4c3ul31a4mf94cclrayr43g7p) also had a chance to win the game in the 90th minute for FC Kansas City, but her half-volley went over the crossbar. [Empty Body] Neither team could get a good shot on frame in the first half, but the match picked up in the second half. FC Kansas City was playing to save their season and the Red Stars were in search of a win to secure a spot in the playoffs. [**Sofia Huerta**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/dwwgrimn3ddecp5kllvsdga8l) and [**Christen Press**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/bnxnrws4yintb6s76erzl9xw5) teamed up for Chicago’s two best chances in the second half. First, a cross from Press to Huerta in the 54th minute that FC Kansas City goalkeeper [**Nicole Barnhart**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/1vm9mztp9ro7cnp6boinc7phx) was able to collect. [Empty Body] Then in the 64th minute, Huerta returned the favor sending a high cross into the box, but Press’ header was just wide. [Empty Body] New Red Stars midfielder[ **Morgan Brian**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/6fhiz0epsutfcs1xqfhcuomad) made her first start with her new team. She came in as a sub in her first game last week after being traded to Chicago by Houston. “It’s a team, obviously, I want to be a part of. There’s so many great players,” [she told Cuff on Lifetime](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/videos/22103929). “I’m excited to be here and play in the playoffs, hopefully.” The Red Stars did reclaim their third place spot with the draw. Though tied with the Pride on points, the Red Stars hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Following the international break, the Red Stars will visit the Houston Dash on September 23. FC Kansas City will visit Seattle Reign FC on September 24. *This story will be updated.*

Match Highlights

Match Highlights