Vancouver Riot: Whitecaps defeat Sporting KC 2-0

The Whitecaps took advantage of two early mistakes from Sporting KC to defeat the visitors 2-0.

This match ended Sporting KC's eight-game unbeaten streak, as well as their five-game road winning streak.

Vancouver got on the board in the 17th minute when a long ball towards the Sporting KC defense was headed back to the goalkeeper by Igor Julaio. The only problem was that Gruenebaum had come out to get the ball and had left the goal unguarded, meaning that that the ball bounced over Gruenebaum and into the net for the own goal.

The Whitecaps doubled their lead in the 40th minute when Matt Besler was not able to catch up to a ball in the midfield, leading to Pedro Morales and Darren Mattocks taking the ball down the middle of the field on a 2-on-1 breakaway. Morales provided the final assist to Mattocks as he got behind Collin and shot past Gruenebaum for the score. It was Mattocks' sixth goal of the season, giving the Whitecaps a 2-0 lead.

Coming out of halftime, Sporting KC received more bad news. Andy Gruenebaum had received a shoulder injury and was subbed out for Jon Kempin at the half. This would be the 21-year-old's first MLS match, having made appearances in US Open Cup and the Manchester City friendly previously.

Sporting would play better in the second half, controlling more possession and creating more opportunities for themselves. Most of the opportunities would come at the end of the match, however, creating a void in the middle of the second half of listless attempts by the visitors.

Jon Kempin would be called upon in the 85th minute when Aurelien Collin fouled Omar Salgado as he was entering the box with the ball. The referee pointed to the spot and the Whitecaps were awarded a penalty. Kempin, however, guessed correctly and dove left, stopping the low penalty shot from Mattocks. It would end up being the highlight of the game for Sporting KC, who, despite a barrage of opportunities going into the five minutes of stoppage time, were not able to put a ball into the net. Sporting KC fell for the first time in eight matches, 2-0 to Vancouver.

Sporting KC retained their spot on the top of the Supporters Shield standings at time of writing as they wait on the result of tonight's Houston-Seattle match. They maintain their Eastern Conference hold with a two-point advantage over DC United.

Sporting are back in action Saturday night as they face Toronto FC in a crucial Eastern Conference match at Sporting Park.