Sporting KC lash Lions, win 3-0 shutout

The return to MLS action on Saturday night could not have turned out much better for Sporting KC. Jake Davis, Daniel Salloi, and Remi Walter all scored in a refreshing 3-0 win over Orlando City.

It was Retro Night and 90’s music was banging throughout the stadium. The boys were looking fantastic in their throwback Wizards kits. The weather was beautiful. Short of William Agada’s red card, it was a perfect night.

However, the visitors looked dangerous right from the start. Their first possession cut through the SKC defense very quickly, and they nearly scored the opener off a free kick in the 6th minute. It seemed as though it would be a long night for the backline.

For the majority of the first half, Erik Thommy’s shot from the center circle at kickoff was the best chance for Sporting KC. But they turned up the temperature in the closing ten minutes with several good looks of their own.

All of a sudden it looked like Orlando was just trying to get to the break with the score level. But in the 45th minute, Jake Davis picked up a loose ball from Afrifa, then took a touch. And another. And one final touch to create the angle he needed. The chipped finish was pure class and one you might expect from a seasoned veteran striker rather than a defender.

JFD! JFD! JFD! 🗣️

Watch #SKCvORL FREE on #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/d4Kg3Wm33k pic.twitter.com/ah0gbzzrIR

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) August 25, 2024

At halftime, Benny Feilhaber was formally inducted into the Sporting KC Legends. He was surrounded by his family as the stadium played a highlight reel from his career before unveiling his name on the wall. Benny was up in the press box speaking to media when Daniel Salloi doubled the lead for SKC.

To Benny’s amazement… Daniel had done it with his left foot.

Come for the assist, stay for the goal 💥

Watch #SKCvORL FREE on #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/d4Kg3Wm33k pic.twitter.com/aIFva0RRBa

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) August 25, 2024

Just before the goal, William Agada picked up his first yellow. He would get sent off in the 70th minute. First, for a second yellow. Then after a review, a straight red.

William Agada's second yellow overturned to a straight red. He's still off after VAR. #SportingKC #SKCvORL pic.twitter.com/iPbHyHz5qC

— KC Soccer Journal (@KCSoccerJournal) August 25, 2024

Now down a man, Peter Vermes brought in Johnny Russell and Alan Pulido with fresh legs to cover more ground. Sporting KC really did quite well to limit damage in the closing stages of the game. Orlando City failed to create any meaningful chances in the final 20 minutes, despite their advantage.

When the referees gave word that we would be sticking around for ten minutes of stoppage time, Remi Walter decided Sporting KC weren’t done yet either.

So, he scored a banger.

Next up is the US Open Cup Semifinals on Tuesday. Indy Eleven of the USL Championship are coming to town for perhaps their biggest match in club history. Kickoff is at 7:00pm from Children’s Mercy Park.