Kansas' Taylor Christie (17) and Hanna Kallmaier (23) attempt to slow down the FC Kansas City offense during their exhibition soccer match on Saturday at Rock Chalk Park.

The stifling defense of the National Women’s Soccer League’s defending champion proved to be too much for Kansas Univeristy soccer, as the Jayhawks fell, 3-0, to FC Kansas City in an exhibition Saturday afternoon at Rock Chalk Park.

“I’m not worried about the result today,” KU coach Mark Francis said. “The spring is all about getting better, and playing the two-time defending champion from the professional league will definitely help us get better.

“We were a little intimidated in the first half,” Francis added, “but in the second half we created some chances and had more possession. I was also really happy with how we defended as a group, too.”

FC Kansas City, which is preparing to kick off its defense of the NWSL crown in three weeks, jumped to an early lead when forward Shea Groom rifled in a shot in the eighth minute after a cross got through the KU defense and into the six-yard box.

The Jayhawks allowed only one more FCKC goal in the opening half when midfielder Erika Tymrak tapped in a ball that was sent across the six-yard box in the 16th minute.

Kansas’ defense held strong for the remainder of the game.

The Jayhawks will take on Tulsa on Saturday in Tulsa, Okla.

Kickoff from Hurricane Soccer Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.