by Brian Turrel
Tuesday evening at Children’s Mercy Park, Liga MX team Club Léon scored a lopsided 6-1 win over a Sporting Kansas City lineup composed primarily of reserve players.
The loss knocks Kansas City out of the Leagues Cup, an interleague tournament between Major League Soccer and Liga MX, Mexico’s top-flight league.
In the post-game press conference, head coach Peter Vermes defended his decision to rest most of his starters.
The players aren’t “supermen,” the coach said, and even knowing the final score, he would make the same decision. Player transfers, injuries and the toll of seven matches in 22 days compelled him to find some rest for his team.
Léon’s speed on the attack frequently overwhelmed Kansas City, and their aggressively physical play in the midfield made it difficult for Kansas City to create chances.
Kansas City’s only goal came in the 61st minute from midfielder Cam Duke, who received a pass from the endline from Grayson Barber and slid it into a sliver of opportunity between the defender, goalkeeper and far post from just outside the six-yard box.
A festive contingent of green-clad Léon fans occupied the southeast corner of Children’s Mercy Park, growing louder as the Kansas City fans grew quieter throughout the match.
Club Léon advances to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, facing off with the winner of Wednesday’s match between Pumas and New York City FC.
Kansas City returns to MLS play, travelling to face FC Dallas on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
