Sporting KC wins; to go on to final of U.S. Open Cup

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Sporting KC team captain Matt Besler sent a penalty kick into the left side of the goal to give his team an advantage in the sudden death phase of the penalty kick shootout. It turned out to be the winning kick. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Update: After extra time expired, Sporting KC won the match in a series of kicks. Sporting KC goes on to the finals of the U.S. Open Cup.

The score was tied 1-1, and the Sporting KC – San Jose match went into extra time tonight at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The U.S. Open Cup semifinal match was still under way at 10 p.m., and still tied 1-1.

Sporting KC forward Diego Rubio scored in the 33rd minute to tie the game at 1 – 1. Sporting KC faced of against the San Jose Earthquakes on the semi-final of the U.S. Open Cup. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Latif Blessing’s shot was blocked by a diving stop by the San Jose goalkeeper. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting KC forward Diego Rubio launched a shot on goal in the second half. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Diego Rubio laid the ball off to fellow forward Latif Blessing on an attacking run in the second half. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Diego Rubio went to the ground in the penalty area, but did not get a foul call in overtime. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia dove to his right to save a San Jose penalty kick and give Kansas City the victory. Melia saved 2 of 6 kicks in the shootout. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
These Sporting KC fans from the Piper Soccer Club were thrilled with the victory. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)