SKC scratch out 1-1 draw in last home game of 2026

Sporting KC came close to a winner multiple times on Saturday, and yet it was a massive PK save from Stefan Cleveland at the death which secured the 1-1 result against FC Dallas. The Wooden Spoon was all but engraved, but amazingly, SKC still have a chance to survive it.

Sporting Park was just about as empty as I’ve ever seen it.

Even on Halloween with crazy costumes everywhere, the vibes for the last home game of the year were not great. Perhaps the dull and dreary weather was fitting as we wrap up this historically awful season.

It took a while for the players on the field to wake up as well. It was 16 minutes into the game before either side got near the goal. Capita got the ball right in the center of the box, but his first touch only set him up to sky it over the bar.

That kicked Dallas into gear and they opened the scoring three minutes later. It was a poor corner kick from SKC on one end that allowed Dallas to counter. The stroll down the field ended with right back Herman Johansson calmly walking it into the net like it was scrimmage.

In spite of the score line, SKC were getting the better opportunities. Andre Luis lined up for a free kick right on the edge of the box, but his effort was sent to Row Z. A few minutes later in the 34th minute, Sporting KC’s best sequence of the match put Taylor Calheira on goal. His shot was saved, and then the rebound effort from Luiz was also stopped by keeper Jonathan Sirois.

It took every last second of stoppage time, but the good guys got the equalizer before the halftime whistle. Owen Wolff, who has been a breath of fresh air in the SKC midfield, curled in a really gorgeous set piece ball to the back post. It was right on the head of Jansen Miller who absolutely dunked it home.

Dallas brought their big talisman, Petar Musa, off the bench to start the second half. Sporting fans will remember the 28-year-old Croatian from the last time these two met. Musa had a brace, including the 97th minute winner, in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss for SKC back in September.

But that did little to change the dynamic of the match in the second half. Sporting KC continued to have the advantage in possession and they were create more chances as well.

Things began to really pick up after the 70th minute. Sporting KC clicked into gear with a flurry of several big opportunities. Andre Luiz was, of course, at the center of all of them. They were inching closer and it started to look like three points were in reach.

But it was Dallas who had the real chance to win the game with the last kick of the ball. Miller was called for an unlucky handball in the box meaning none other than Petar Musa was about to take a PK to steal the win. Larger than that, it would have guaranteed Sporting KC’s first Wooden Spoon.

But Stefan Cleveland, with the stuff of legends, made the save. That strong wrist kept the last glimmer of hope alive for SKC.

Still three points back in last place, they travel to California to take on San Diego FC in the last matchday of 2026 next Saturday. In order to climb out of last place, they will need to win and a Montreal loss.