by Brian Turrel
Sporting Kansas City handed a first lead to the Seattle Sounders and suffered a 2-1 home defeat to its conference rivals at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening.
The nearly-full stadium was packed with excitement as the warm day settled into a comfortable evening. The teams traded possessions in the first 10 minutes, but neither team was able to get off a shot attempt.
Cristian Roldan put Seattle in front in the 31st minute off a pass from Brad Smith, and the Sounders went to the lockers with a 1-0 advantage.
Seattle doubled its lead in the 55th minute. A series of three Kansas City corner kicks failed to net a goal, and Seattle got out on a counter-attack. Graham Zusi made a fine block, but for nought with a Sounders forward heading the ball moments later.
Johnny Russell was Kansas City’s second-half hero, earning one goal back in the 60th minute. Luis Martins lofted a direct kick to Russell outside the 6-yard box to the right of goal. Russell settled the ball off his chest and then blasted a left-footed shot off the hands of Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
Russell, together with Khiry Shelton, created a string of offensive chances in the latter stages of the game, but they were unable to convert them onto the scoreboard.
The Sounders leapfrogged Kansas City to the top of the MLS Western Conference standings, with a two-point lead and a game in hand. Kansas City will play Dallas FC on the road this Wednesday, and will be back in action at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo. Kickoff for the game is 3 p.m.
