Sporting KC defeats Colorado Rapids, 1 – 0

by Brian Turrel

Daniel Salloi was “super happy” about the goal he scored, the early game-winner in Sporting Kansas City’s 1 – 0 defeat of the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Children’s Mercy Park.

In the 16th minute, Salloi collected the rebound of a Khiry Shelton shot off the goal post and put it in the corner of the net.

“It bounced in front of me, and I had an easy job,” he said.

“Other than that, I should have scored four other goals,” the Hungarian forward said. Salloi took eight shots in the game, including one off the crossbar.

The offense created plenty of opportunities for his teammates as well, although it wasn’t represented in the final score. Sporting KC forward Khiry Shelton fired off six shots and Johnny Russell four.

Sporting focused on one touch passes and sudden cross-field shifts to overcome Colorado’s defense-heavy scheme. KC head coach Peter Vermes characterized Colorado’s formation as a “5-3-2”, with five defenders, three midfielders and two forwards.

The victory kept Sporting KC on top of the MLS Western Conference standings with 20 points. The team has a quick turnaround, playing in Atlanta on Wednesday night. The next home game is on May 27 against the Columbus Crew.