Cheney Snaps Breakers’ Unbeaten Start

Former Breakers forward Lauren Cheney helped end Boston’s four-game unbeaten start on Saturday as FC Kansas City (3-1-1, 10 points) staked a 2-0 win at Overland Park, Kan.

Not only was Saturday the Breakers’ (2-1-2, 8 points) first loss of the season, but it was also marked the first time they failed to crack the scoreboard.

“As we expected, Kansas City is a good team. They have good players all over the pitch,” Breakers Head Coach Lisa Cole said in a team release. “I thought we did a good job early on, creating opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize on those opportunities. They were able to find the net first, and that put a little pressure on us.”

A stacked Kansas City midfield that included Cheney and Kristie Mewis overwhelmed the Breakers and goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, who made her debut NWSL start and allowed a goal in each half.

Cheney set up the first goal in the 17th minute, the former Breakers player finding Renae Cuellar in behind Boston’s backline with a long ball. Cueller collected Cheney’s pass, took a touch, and finished past Santiago for her fourth goal of the season.

Cheney doubled the lead against her former club midway through the second half. In the 64th minute, she poked a freekick by Casey Loyd in past Santiago for her first goal of the season.

Though Kansas City outplayed the Breakers, they did need Nicole Barnhart to make a few key saves. In the 69th minute, she reacted fast enough to tip away an effort by Kyah Simon from the top of the penalty area. Next, she saved a long distance effort by Lisa-Marie Woods in second half stoppage time to ensure victory and preserve her league-leading third shutout of the season.

“They were just better than we were today,” Cole said. “But it was a good matchup, and we look forward to getting back on the field and changing the score the next time.”

The game, which was originally scheduled for April 20, was postponed to Saturday as a result of the Boston Marathon attacks.

Boston will take on the Washington Spirit at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Mass. this coming Saturday.