In their third and final group stage match, Sporting Kansas City would face off against Real Salt Lake with a spot in the knockout round at stake. Sporting came ready to play, finding the back of the net only 51 seconds into the match. Forward Johnny Russell would find a loose ball in the Salt Lake box and made no mistake in firing the ball past goalkeeper Zac MacMath. This marked Russell’s first goal of the 2020 season.
While both teams generated chances throughout the first half, Sporting looked calm and collected. Dictating play and remaining in control of the match. At the break, Sporting would lead 1-0 with both teams only having taken 1 shot on frame a piece.
A very well composed second half from Sporting showed their dominance over the Western Conference rival. In the second half, Sporting continued to apply pressure, generating numerous shots and opportunities.
In the 84th minute of the match, Gerso Fernandes was brought on to the pitch for Kansas City. It would take him only two minutes to find the back of the net, giving Sporting an insurance goal. A nicely taken shot that curled it’s way into the Real Salt Lake net in the 86th minute, would guarantee a victory for Sporting.
The match would end 2-0, putting Kansas City at the top of the group with 6 points. This clinched a berth into the knockout rounds for Sporting. Should Minnesota United win their match later tonight, Kansas City would fall to be the second seed out of Group D.
