Sporting KC falls at New England Revolution

Sporting Kansas City came into the match with an eight-game winless streak. It was going to be hard for the last-place team in the Western Conference to right the ship at the top of the East. SKC had only scored twice in the first eight weeks, going on the road against a team scoring regularly.

Both Sporting KC and the New England Revolution had a couple of opportunities through the first 30 minutes but that is when it all started going wrong. New England’s Emmanuel Boateng broke down the left side before crossing it into the SKC box. Giacomo Vrioni’s left-footed shot bounced off Logan Ndenbe and past Tim Melia in the 31st minute.

THERE’S HIS FIRST GOAL OF THE NIGHT pic.twitter.com/BehQNQa7r3

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 23, 2023

It didn’t take long for the Revolution to extend the lead. A New England shot rebounded out to Vrioni who slammed it in to the goal from just outside the six-yard box to make it 2-0 for the home team.

Mamma Mia, here we go again! 🔁 pic.twitter.com/hwH4GonzkX

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 23, 2023

After the half, Sporting KC came out strong looking to climb their way back into the game. After Ndenbe was fouled outside the Revolution box, Daniel Salloi took the restart and picked out SKC captain Johnny Russell running onto the back post. Russell slid it back across the goal to score the third goal of the season for Sporting KC.

Johnny Russell opens his account this season! This also marks his 50th goal in all MLS competitions.

Watch #NEvSKC free now on @AppleTV: https://t.co/e99AnoxmhQ pic.twitter.com/NQGnjgt7L6

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) April 23, 2023

The goal seemed to rejuvenate the visitors and Sporting KC was starting to show some confidence. But as the season has gone, the game fell apart again Andreu Fontàs was left running back in defense after Dany Rosero was fouled at midfield. Referee Nima Saghafi initially issued a second yellow to Fontàs but after a VAR check, he issued the S porting KC center back a straight red.

With Sporting KC now playing short-handed, manager Peter Vermes brought off the two players still working back to full strength, Alan Pulido and Logan Ndenbe in exchange for Robi Voloder and Khiry Shelton.

Vermes brought Chris Rindov and Marinos Tzionis on to replace Salloi and Erik Thommy as SKC were still looking for an equalizer. Felipe Hernandez almost had that precious comeback goal right at the end of regulation, banging a hard shot off the post and back through the center of the box.

Sporting Kansas City is now winless in nine. Five losing efforts in the last six for SKC.