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Sporting KC 0 – 0 draw against Columbus
Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia stretched out for a save. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
Saturday night’s scoreless draw between Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew was a missed opportunity, squandering a home game with 45 minutes of man advantage.
Columbus forward Federico Higuan was sent off in first half stoppage time for his studs up tackle on Roger Espinoza.
Even with the advantage, Sporting’s offense repeatedly failed to make connections. Passes forward and crosses didn’t have the proper pace and rolled harmlessly out of bounds.
The game would have been a loss except for the efforts of goalkeeper Tim Melia and the Sporting back line.
Melia saved a penalty kick in 42nd minute, feinting to his right before diving to his left to block away the low liner from Gyasi Zardes. Melia also tipped away a close range header from Zardes in the 24th minute.
Sporting KC holds a 4-point advantage in the standings over Los Angeles FC. They will play next at home against Minnesota United on June 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Tim Melia was accompanied by his daughter during team introductions. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Forward Johnny Russell (7) played a cross. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Midfielder Roger Espinoza (17) won a header over the Crew’s Wil Trapp (6). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Forward Daniel Salloi (20) took a shot in the second half. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Sporting KC forward Khiry Shelton (14) headed the ball to the center of the box. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Daniel Salloi (20) collected the ball near the Columbus goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Midfielder Yohan Croizet (10) tried to catch up with pass near the Columbus end line. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Columbus goalkeeper Zack Steffen, left, pulled down the ball from a tangle of players, including SKC defender Ike Opara (3). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Project Victory participant Cameron got a high five from his favorite player, Graham Zusi. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
