Sporting KC Bounce Back With Win Against Colorado
The Colorado Rapids entered Saturday night’s game against Sporting KC with a nine game unbeaten streak, while Sporting had loss four out of their last five league matches. Both of those streaks ended Saturday night as two goals split by halftime saw Sporting KC over Colorado 2-1.
Aug 31, 2013; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC forward Graham Zusi (8) brings the ball up field against Colorado Rapids defender (15) during the second half at Sporting Park. Sporting KC beat Colorado 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sporting KC forward Dom Dwyer got his first MLS start for Sporting KC on Saturday night. Designated player Claudio Bieler sat on the bench the entire match recovering from a stomach bug he picked up in Honduras. He played 47 minutes in Sporting KC’s Champions League game in Honduras on Tuesday.
Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a beautiful strike from distance. Dwyer chased the ball down, which fell to Feilhaber’s feet. He took a few touches, and hit a shot with the outside of this boot from about 25 yards out. The curving shot beat Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin. With the goal, Sporting KC snapped their scoreless streak that had lasted 213 minutes.
Colorado had a few chances to equalize before halftime, including a few wide open looks. But Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen made a few important saves to keep the visitors from equalizing.
Aug 31, 2013; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC mid-fielder Benny Feihaber (10) celebrates with teammates Oriol Rosell (20) and Matt Besler (5) after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the first half at Sporting Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado was able to equalize in the 77th minute through substitute Edson Buddle. He picked up a loose ball at the top of the box, and took a shot at goal. Defender Matt Besler tried to block the shot with a slide tackle, but hit the ball wrong, sending the shot past Nielsen.
But Sporting was able to find the game winner through US national team player Graham Zusi. This goal was almost as beautiful as Feilhaber’s opener. Midfielder Uri Rosell passed the ball up to a streaking Chance Myers. Myers played the ball first time to the back post, which found CJ Sapong. Sapong headed the ball towards Zusi, who struck the ball with his weaker foot first time, finding the back of the net for the game winner.
Forward Kei Kamara made his return to the pitch after being injured for the last few games, and Paulo Nagamura made his first league start for the club since June 22nd.
Sporting KC will be back in action on September 7th when they face the Columbus Crew at home. Kansas City will be without Zusi and Belser for the Columbus match as they were called up to the national team for the next set of World Cup qualifiers. The USA will go to Costa Rica on September 6th, and will play Mexico in Columbus, Ohio on September 10th.