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Sporting KC snap losing streak vs Seattle Sounders

Published

4 months ago

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Credit: Thad Bell

The streak is over!

Sporting KC picked up three points tonight for the first time in over two months. They fought back after an early goal from the Seattle Sounders for the 2-1 win.

The speed of Alenis Vargas was the difference. The Honduran scored the winner in the 85th minute off a fantastic assist from Khiry Shelton.

Jordan Morris got things started in the 12th minute. It was the 498th goal he’s scored against Sporting KC in his career (or something like that). The 29-year-old snuck behind the line off a quick restart and easily slotted it passed Tim Melia with one touch.

After seven straight losses, the early goal took the remaining life out of the stadium. But to Sporting KC’s credit, the boys on the field weren’t deterred. Memo Rodriguez was going around the field gassing up each of his teammates to remain focused. If anything, the home side shifted into a new gear after going down 1-0.

They would get rewarded with a goal just a few minutes later off the boot of the greatest Scotsman this city has ever known, Johnny Russell.

Both Alan Pulido and Daniel Salloi were mostly silent throughout the night. Unfortunately, it’s been a common issue for both players. The big names, the key players for Sporting KC simply haven’t been turning up this season. This team will be fighting off the Wooden Spoon if that doesn’t change.

It was rather quiet in the second half until the 70th minute mark. Tackles were becoming stronger and tempers were flaring. Salloi left the game after a tackle that unleashed JFR.

Right after the restart, Reed Baker-Whiting brought down Alenis Vargas from behind to earn his second yellow. The crowd came to life and Sporting KC smelled blood in the water with a man advantage.  The onslaught started with Erik Thommy skimming the top of the net with a rocket from the edge of the box.

Alenis Vargas’ fresh legs off the bench were electric. The whole stadium could feel it. The 20-year-old was instantly causing problems for Seattle and it was only a matter of time.

Shelton had been lively since replacing Jake Davis at right back, the second straight game he appeared there. Much has been made of Khiry and his sizeable contract, but his versatility and determination came in handy tonight.

The win jumps Sporting KC up to 12th on the table. Next Saturday the boys head to the west coast to face the LA Galaxy.

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