The Dash's hopes of mounting a stirring comeback over the second half of the season suffered a major setback Sunday night.
Maybe two of them, actually.
Shea Groom's headed goal in the 83rd minute gave last-place FC Kansas City a 1-0 victory over the Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium.
That the Dash (6-9-2) took zero points instead of even one seemed like extra punishment after they already had seen their captain and two-time reigning FIFA Women's Player of the Year Carli Lloyd leave the game with a painful left ankle injury.
It is the Dash's second consecutive loss after a six-game unbeaten streak had them thinking realistically they still had a chance to make a run at the playoffs.