Inspired Performance Leads To Sporting Kansas City Victory

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Sporting Kansas City were back in action Friday night as they traveled to Houston to face the Houston Dynamo in an Eastern Conference Clash. Sporting KC were riding a 5 game losing streak and were desperate for points before the team and league go on their World Cup Break.

The injury plague once again reared its head for Sporting KC in only the 7th minute of the game, when Paulo Nagamura went up for a ball and collided heads with a Houston challenger. Nagamura was on the field for several minutes before being taken off the field on the stretcher.

Early reports are Nagamura had a 2 inch gash in his head and suffered a concussion. Severity is unknown at this time.

An already challenging game was made even more challenging when Antonio Dovale was issued a red card in the 21st minute for an “off the ball” incident. The replay showed a Houston player walk into the back of Dovale and Dovale raise his arm and push the player away with the back of his arm/elbow.

The red card is understandable but seemed a bit harsh in my eyes, Dovale has to be more disciplined than that.

Down to 10 men, Sporting would have to play the final 70 minutes with only 10 men. Both teams had their share of chances early but Sporting was the first to capitalize in the 45th minute when Houston played and errant pass that was intercepted by Benny Feilhaber.

Feilhaber dribbled it forward and passed off to Soony Saad who was making his run up the left side, Saad took one touch then blasted it inside the far post just past the outstretched Houston Goalkeeper to give Sporting KC the 1-0 lead in the 45th minute.

Feilhaber was injured on the play when he played the pass to Soony Saad he was fouled and landed hard on his shoulder. Feilhaber would finish the half but was substituted at half time and early reports are that he suffered a shoulder dislocation.

Igor Juliao who was questionable going in to the game because of a quad strain was also subbed off at half because of the strain. Sporting KC would have to play the final 45 minutes without any more subs and down a man.

Sporting KC would find an insurance goal in the second half when Soony Saad sent in a corner ball that looked to be curling towards goal a Houston defender blocked it with his arm and was whistled for a hand ball inside the box which warranted a PK for Sporting KC.