Dwyer excels with two goals to move Sporting KC into first place

Sporting KC midfielder Ilie Sanchez won the ball in the air from Red Bulls midfielder Gonzalo Veron. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

Sporting KC moved into first place in the MLS Western Conference with a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Forward Dom Dwyer accounted for both goals. Sporting controlled the pace throughout the game, using accurate passing and strong defensive challenges to keep control of the ball and allow few opportunities for New York. Sporting attempted 18 shots, while allowing the Red Bulls only 6.

Dwyer scored his first goal shortly after halftime, banging in the rebound of a shot by midfielder Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber provided the assist on Dwyer’s second goal, with a cross that Dwyer knocked in with a right-footed shot.

The game was scoreless in the first half. Sporting missed a few opportunities including two headers from close range by Dom Dwyer. Tim Melia made a tip save on a strong shot by New York forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen to keep the clean sheet for Sporting.

Sporting defender Ike Opara headed a shot toward goal late in the first half, but it sailed high over the crossbar. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting forward Dom Dwyer knocked in a rebound for his first goal of the game. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Dwyer saluted the crowd in the north end of the stadium after his first goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Dwyer knocked in a cross from midfielder Benny Feilhaber for his second goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Jimmy Medranda signed autographs for fans after the game. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)