The opening game of Group D would feature what were two of the hottest teams in Major League Soccer before play was halted in March. Sporting Kansas City comes into tonight’s game with a 2-0 record, in which they outscored opponents 7-1. Minnesota enters tonight with a 2-0 record as well, outscoring their opponents 8-3. This exciting matchup features two teams who will look to pile on goals early and often. In their eight-game history, Sporting Kansas City holds the series lead with a 4-2-2 record.
This eagerly anticipated matchup did not disappoint as both teams came out of the gate firing. Just inside the three minute mark, Kansas City would have their first quality chance. However, forward Khiry Shelton would see his first attempt of the night pushed aside by Loons goalkeeper, Tyler Miller. Kansas City would continue to put pressure on the Minnesota back line, but couldn’t seem to find that final touch to put one into the net. Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper, Tim Melia would not see much action, but was up to the challenge when called upon, making a fingertip save on a dipping shot to keep Minnesota off of the scoreboard.
In the 43rd minute, Kansas City’s efforts would pay off as Khiry Shelton found himself in alone before slipping one past the Loons goalkeeper. The goal was set up by a great touch and through ball by midfielder Alan Pulido. Shelton would drive to the net, seeing Miller starting to cheat towards the middle, and would calmly place it to put Kansas City up 1-0.
The first half featured a dominant performance by Sporting, outshooting their opponents 6-1 and holding a 54%-46% advantage in possession.
Flying out of the gates, Kansas City would find an opportunity just two minutes into the second half. However, with two men in alone, Sporting forward Gerso Fernandes could not complete the final pass and the chance was lost.
In the 64th minute, a bouncing ball in the Kansas City box would lead to Minnesota’s Ethan Finlay finding the back of the net in what looked to be the equalising goal. However, after video review, it was deemed that Kevin Molino was in an offside position and involved in the play before Finlay was able to tuck it away. Seconds later, Minnesota would find another chance, but it would ultimately lead to nothing as the curling shot would find the goalpost. These flurry of opportunities seem to have lit a fire under the Loons. Minnesota would continue to apply pressure and create chances against the Kansas City back line.
A controversial moment in the 74th minute came when Sporting keeper Tim Melia was shown a straight red card for taking down Minnesota’s Aaron Schoenfeld. Richard Sánchez would go into goal for Sporting, making his first appearance with the club. The foul just outside the penalty area would give Minnesota an opportunity, but the shot was put high and wide.
Three minutes into stoppage time, a Minnesota free kick would deflect off Sporting’s Khiry Shleton, resulting in an own goal and tying the match at 1-1.
In the 97th minute, Kevin Molino would redeem himself and bury a chance, giving Minnesota the 2-1 lead with seconds remaining in the match.
In a match where Sporting would dominate for 75 minutes, Minnesota would hold on for a 2-1 victory, giving them their best start in club history (3-0) and giving them 3 points in group D. Ahead of the later match between Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, Minnesota stands at the top of the Group D table.
Up next for Sporting is a matchup against the Colorado Rapids on Friday night. Minnesota will play next following the conclusion of that match, against Real Salt Lake.
