Author: Brian Turrel

Sporting KC trounces Minnesota, 4-0

Sporting defender Ike Opara rose high above Minnesota defender Brent Kallman (14) and goalkeeper Patrick McLain (24) to open the scoring in the first half. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting KC midfielder Jimmy Medranda was taken to the ground on a strong challenge by Minnesota midfielder Collen Warner in the first half of the U.S. Open Cup game between the two MLS teams. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos and story copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Sporting KC delivered a punishing blow to Minnesota United FC in the U.S. Open Cup game between the two sides on Wednesday night in Kansas City, Kansas, winning 4 – 0 and leaving no doubt about the team’s motivation to win its fourth cup trophy.

The U.S. Open Cup is a single elimination tournament played among the major professional and semi-professional leagues in the United States. The next round will be played in the last week of June, and Sporting KC will learn its opponent and game location Thursday.

After a rough opening to the first half, in which Sporting KC was whistled for several fouls, the home team took over the game, pressing the attack and keeping pressure on Minnesota’s defense. Sporting KC took 19 shots for the game, against only 5 for Minnesota.

KC defender Ike Opara opened the scoring late in the first half with a leaping header set up by a corner kick from Graham Zusi. Gerso Fernandes followed with a goal in first half stoppage time, giving Sporting KC a 2 – 0 lead at halftime.

The game was halted for several minutes early in the second half when Minnesota defender Joseph Greenspan suffered a head injury while contesting a ball in the air against Roger Espinoza. Greenspan was removed from the field in a stretcher.

Dom Dwyer added a goal in the 72nd minute on an assist by Gerso and forward Daniel Salloi scored his first career goal for Sporting KC off an assist from Roger Espinoza for the final margin.

Sporting forward Dom Dwyer reacted with disbelief as his first half shot sailed just over the goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting forward Daniel Salloi struck a bicycle kick to center the ball. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
A hard collision with Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza injured Minnesota defender Joseph Greenspan, who received medical attention for about 10 minutes before being removed on a stretcher. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Daniel Salloi struck his first career goal for Sporting KC in the second half to make the score 3-0. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
After the game, Kevin Ellis helped Daniel Salloi celebrate his first goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Many fans stuck around after the game to greet the players and get autographs from the players. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC, Montreal play to 1-1 draw

Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia deflected a Montreal shot. Montreal scored in the second half to tie the game, 1-1. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

A late defensive lapse by Sporting KC’s back line cost the team a home victory on Saturday night against the Montreal Impact. The teams settled for a 1 – 1 draw.

The draw extends Sporting’s home unbeaten streak to 17 games, but represents a lost opportunity to extend their lead in the MLS Western Conference standings.

Sporting KC looked to have the game well in hand early, with a Gerso Fernandes 15-yard strike midway through the first half, assisted by Ilie Sanchez. Throughout the game, Sporting controlled the tempo and possession, allowing Montreal only a few challenges, which were turned aside by goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Sporting KC looked to be headed to victory, but gave up the equalizer in the 82nd minute when fresh substitute defender Soni Mustivar made a lazy back pass to Melia. The pass was intercepted by Montreal’s Matteo Mancosu, who needed only an easy flip over Melia’s head to find the net.

Sporting KC pressed forward late in the game and gained a man advantage after a red card to Montreal’s Chris Duvall, but Montreal was able to run out the clock and preserve the draw.

Sporting KC plays again at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday, June 14, facing Minnesota United in a U.S. Open Cup match.

Sporting KC defender Seth Sinovic was upended by Montreal defender Chris Duvall. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC forward Gerso scored in the first half, putting his team up 1 – 0 on the Montreal Impact. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)