KANSAS CITY – Saturday night, the Earthquakes of San Jose traveled to Kansas City to take on Sporting as they hosted their second home match of the year after settling for a draw in the home opener to the Philadelphia Union.
Sporting’s defense was highlighted early when both Tim Leibold and Jake Davis were able to rundown possible high-efficiency goal opportunities. However, the latter of the rundowns was knocked out of play, creating a corner kick in the 11th minute that was knocked through the posts by San Jose’s Vitor Costa. Costa was able to leverage himself off the SKC defender and knock it in with his left foot through an open gap. Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia was extremely animated following the goal, showing his frustration with Costa’s success in finding that amount of leverage.
Kansas City was able to respond following an Alan Pulido shot on goal that SJ goalkeeper Daniel deflected out. Memo Rodriguez placed the ensuing corner kick in a perfect location for Dany Rosero to grab his first goal of the new year. Rosero celebrated, hands in the air, before he stood up to acknowledge the exuberant fans.
SKC followed up their first goal within a dozen minutes with another coming in the 29th. Prior to the goal, Sporting put together one of their most efficient sequences all year, spotlighted by Johnny Russell who weaved through defenders and then spun a perfect ball right to Alan Pulido setting him up for his first goal of the season.
In the second half, Sporting went into a defensive set trying to avoid their fourth draw of the year. They succeeded through the first segment of the half.
After a yellow card was given to KC’s Sallói, San Jose was able to sink a goal that initially was scored, but following a video review was reversed due to an handball.
Sporting Kansas City was able to finish, something they have struggled with within the first three matches of the season, securing the 2-1 win (their first of the year) over the Earthquakes.
San Jose will look to the future as they will play host to fellow bottom dweller in the Western Conference Standings, the Seattle Sounders (0-2-1). On the other hand, Sporting will stay in Kansas City for the second of their two game home stand as they prepare to take on LA Galaxy (1-2-0). Both matches will be March 23rd.
