Photos by John May
Captions by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
9′ Octavio Rivero sent a clever header back to where the ball came from. Tim Melia was too quick however, superbly getting across to push wide. Techera followed up but again couldn’t find any way past the Sporting shot stopper.
13′ Vancouver were exerting their dominance in the opening stages. Cristian Techera picked out Tim Parker at the front post but his glancing header was cleared off the line by Benny Feilhaber.
36′ The impressive Mauro Rosales turned Matt Besler inside, clipping the ball to Rivero. The Uruguayan was under too much pressure to get a clean shot at goal, claiming a corner kick in the process.
52′ GOAL Kevin Ellis nods Kansas City in front. Jordan Harvey afforded Krisztian Nemeth all the time in the world to pick out Ellis from the right. The defender found his way in between Parker and Waston for the winner.
61′ Octavio Rivero turned provider with a lovely backheel sending Techera one-on-one with Melia. His stabbed effort ricocheted off goalkeeper and defender before trickling towards goal but Amadou Dia was on hand to clear off the line.
88’ YELLOW Dom Dwyer received a yellow for a push on Kendall Waston although the big man did take a theatrical tumble. The pair entertained with their 90 minute battle but it eventually boiled over.
90′ Tim Melia kept out Tim Parker once again with another sprawling save. His powerful header looked to be heading for the bottom corner until Melia’s interception.
