Match Report:Sporting KC Beat New England Revolution 3-0 at LSP

Sporting Kansas City again showed a dominant performance against another Eastern Conference side when they whipped New England Revolution 3-0 yesterday evening. Graham Zusi, CJ Sapong, and Kei Kamara all got in on the scoring action throughout the game, but it was New England's early red card in the 14th minute that may have just set up what was to be a horrendous showing for the 4 time MLS Cup runners up.

New England came into the match always knowing that it was going to be a tough night for their butchered back line. And almost immediately they were being attacked by Sporting Kansas City, who found plenty of possession with and without being up a man on New England.

The action started early - CJ Sapong found some space behind the Revolution's backline and was being contained only by New England's center back Stephen McCarthy. CJ then showed his pace and started to get a step on McCarthy and the big central defender then felt it was necessary to use illegal force to stop the US international. Stephen man-handled CJ and Sapong fell down under the stress from Stephen, the ref showed no hesitation and immediately pulled the red card and made McCarthy make the long walk to the showers.

From that point on it was pretty much all Sporting KC. In the 28th Graham Zusi showed hustle to get to a miss-hit shot from Kei who blasted it across goal at a New England defender who hit it into Zusi's path - who was at this point on the ground - and scissor kicked it past Matt Reis to give Sporting KC the lead.

Kei Kamara then got in on the fun and scored in the 39th minute after some good build up play by Convey and Sinovic on the left hand side, Sinovic played a dangerous ball in that was unconvincingly cleared by Reis to Kei's feet. The Sierra Leonean hit it straight at Reis who again gave it right back to Kei Kamara's feet, and this time the 6'3 forward made the most of it.

Sporting KC pressed early after halftime and found their reward in the 47th minute after what can only be described as a Arsenal-esque goal. Good combination play from Zusi and Sinovic on the left side lead to Sporting KC's 3rd when CJ Sapong finished off a one-time pass from Seth.

Honestly, this game was almost always in Sporting KC's control, this team has really looked powerful going forward and has looked solid defensively. And again in glaring honesty Sporting KC easily could of won this game by 5 goals. But, to truly test ourselves we will have to face a team like FC Dallas next weekend to see if we can repeat our early season form against one of the "top 6" sides.

Player Ratings

Jimmy Nielsen - 7

The Dane didn't have to make many saves but when he did he held onto the ball well and his service from out of the back was great.

Seth Sinovic - 9 - Man of the Match

Seth had a terrific game and it should be noted he had something to do with all three of Sporting KC's goals. Is it too early to be calling for a spot on the national team? Maybe - but I think Klinsmann probably has him under his radar.

Matt Besler - 8

Besler again had a quite evening but made some fantastic challenges and helped Olum adjust to the backline when he came in.

Aurelien Collin - 7

Collin didn't play the full 90 and was said to have re-invigorated his back injury he had last season, but played well when he was on.

Chance Myers - 8

Chance was very unlucky to not have scored against New England, the fullback hit the cross bar and played well all night.

Julio Cesar - 7

The Brazilian was calm on the ball as usual and helped turn defense into attack.

Roger Espinoza - 8

Roger is impressing me more and more every game. He held his own in midfield and again displayed his tenacity and bite.

Graham Zusi - 9

Zusi showed his attacking prowess yet again and had to do with a lot of Sporting KC's attacking play yet again.

Bobby Convey - 7

I was really unimpressed by Convey the other night and was really speculating whether or not he would fit into this lineup but his combination play with Seth was brilliant.

CJ Sapong - 7

While CJ did score he also missed other opportunities to increase Sporting KC's score.

Kei Kamara - 8

Kei got the ever important 2nd goal and put the game away for Sporting KC.

Subs

Paulo Nagamura(Graham Zusi) 57' - 6

In his unveiling to Sporting KC's fans the Brazilian played pretty well and got some decent tackles.

Lawrence Olum(Aurelien Collin) 59' - 7

Olum played very well and had some great headers but don't expect him to be competing for a starting spot unless Collin's injury is really severe. Lawrence is beginning to become a favorite of mine. He works hard and I think I needed another smiling African to cheer for.

Luke Sassano(Julio Cesar) 76' - NR

Although Luke was on for almost 15 minutes he didn't get many touches on the ball and therefore does not get a score.