Sporting KC returns home, falls 5-1 to LAFC

by Brian Turrel

In their first home game in over a month, the issues that have bedeviled Sporting Kansas City — defensive lapses and failure to finish scoring chances — made them pay again with a 5 – 1 loss Wednesday to Los Angeles FC.

Sporting played conference-leading LAFC close through the first half, giving up only a single goal, on a free kick in the 29th minute by Christian Ramirez from just outside the penalty area. Sporting held 66 percent of the possession time, and a 7-4 shot advantage at the break.

Kansas City had some dangerous chances in the second half, keying off set pieces to put pressure on Los Angeles goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega and his defenders. Forwards Krisztian Nemeth and Gerso Fernandes both had makeable shots go wide, and other shots were parried by the LA defense.

SKC lost another prime scoring chance late in the second half when Sisniega saved a penalty kick from Kansas City forward Daniel Salloi. Salloi was selected to take the kick perhaps to get his confidence level up after a scoreless season to date.

Sporting finally got on the board in the 85th minute when substitute Yohan Croizet got a pass from Ilie Sanchez near the top of the box and knocked the ball past Sisniega into the left edge of the goal.

LAFC picked up two goals late in the game as Kansas City’s defense seemed to lose composure and overexposed goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Kansas City has a quick turnaround and a more advantageous opponent on Saturday when they play the Chicago Fire. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.