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Breakers vs. FC Kansas City 2013: Match Preview

After a stunning come-from-behind victory over visiting Portland on Wednesday, the Breakers will host top-ranked FC Kansas City in hopes of spoiling their playoff expectations

By Nick Hemming
USA TODAY Sports
FC Kansas City at Boston Breakers
6/10/13, 6:00 P.M.
Dilboy Stadium, Somerville, MA

Current Form:

On Wednesday, following a devastating weekend draw with Western New York, the Breakers turned in a resilient performance, earning a come-from-behind victory over NWSL powerhouse Portland. Though Western New York's midweek victory eliminated Boston from playoff contention, the Breakers (7-7-6, 27 Pts.) will enter Saturday's match with pride on the line.

Last Five: L-L-W-D-W

Now holding onto the league's longest unbeaten streak (10 matches), FC Kansas City will enter Saturday's match atop the NWSL table. Last weekend's 3-2 victory over Portland pushed FCKC into position to secure home-field advantage throughout the NWSL playoffs, turning Saturday's contest into a pivotal matchup for Kansas City (11-4-5. 38 Pts.).

Last Five: D-W-W-W-W

What to Watch For:

Though Saturday's focus will remain on FC Kansas City and their push for first place, considerable attention will be placed on Breakers' interim coach Cat Whitehill, who has yet to lose during her coaching tenure (1-0-1, 4 Pts.). Following the Breakers 2-1 midweek victory, Whitehill remained optimistic about her team's motivation to win out, despite being eliminated from playoff contention. If the Breakers can continue to showcase the resilience they displayed on Wednesday, Kansas City and Western New York may have their playoff position spoiled.

For FC Kansas City, Saturday's storyline will focus on a much different goal: home-field advantage throughout the 2013 NWSL playoffs. Midfielder Lauren Holiday continued to shine as a member of FCKC's attack on Sunday, scoring twice during the Blues' 3-2 victory over Portland. Combined with NWSL Player of the Month Erika Tymrak  -  and midfielders Merritt Mathias and Jen Buczkowski  -  FCKC boasts one of the most complete attacks in women's soccer.

If the Breakers struggle to contain Kansas City's frontrunners, as they did in late June, expect Lauren Holiday and co. to run away with a road victory.

For tickets to Wednesday's match at Dilboy Stadium, visit www.breakerstickets.com.

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