Hernandez maiden goal, Salloi brace sink Rapids 3-1

Midfielder Felipe Hernandez celebrated his first MLS goal in the second half of Sporting Kansas City’s 3-1 over the Colorado Rapids. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Sporting Kansas City solidified its hold on second place in the MLS Western Conference by beating the third place Colorado Rapids 3-1 at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday evening.

Daniel Salloi scored two in the first half to ensure the win, his fifth and sixth goals of the season.

The first came in the 14th minute. Johnny Russell got a pass from Jaylin Lindsey and pushed deep near the Colorado end line before teeing the ball up for a one touch strike from Salloi.

Salloi struck again in the 38th minute off a centering pass from Felipe Hernandez. Salloi played the ball to his right to clear traffic and then fired off a shot that zipped into the narrow gap between the goalkeeper and the near post.

Salloi returned the favor to Hernandez in the second half, setting him up for his first MLS goal in the 64th minute. After a lengthy build-up along the left side, Salloi played the ball off to Hernandez, who fired across the mouth of the goal and inside the far post.

Colorado clawed one goal back off a rebound off the woodwork in the 84th minute, but never became a threat to equalize.

In his post-match press conference, Salloi was determined to turn the page on last year’s goalless campaign.

“I would like to, with all due respect, ask everybody to stop talking about last year,” the Hungarian striker said. “Yes, it was bad and yes, I did not have enough confidence and now I do. So please let’s talk about this year.”

Sporting KC doesn’t have much time to relax. They play at home again on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Los Angeles FC.