Handled by United: Sporting KC 0-3 DC United

A nightmarish first half quickly downed any Sporting KC hopes of a victory as DC United defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-0.

Fabian Espindola, Chris Rolfe and Perry Kitchen all provided the goals for DC United.

Despite Sporting KC taking several opportunities in the first twenty minutes of the half, it would be DC United who broke through first. Fabian Espindola broke free from Aurelien Collin and unleashed a shot about 25 yards from goal. The far-post shot went just past the fingertips of Kempin and into the net. It was Espindola's ninth goal of the year.

Only a few minutes later, DC United would double their lead. Luis Silva sent a chipped through ball that beat the offside trap and got the ball to Chris Rolfe, who was one-on-one with Kempin. Kempin did get a hand on the ball but it deflected into the net for the DC United score.

DC would complete the disaster start for Sporting KC in the 31st minute. After another failed offside trap, Perry Kitchen was able to advance the ball down the flank alone and got an open shot on goal, burying it for the third goal of the half for the away side.

The half would only get worse for Sporting in the 36th minute when they were forced to burn one of their subs early. Sal Zizzo had gone down on what looked like a re-aggravated groin. CJ Sapong came in to replace the injured winger.

Sporting would go into the locker room at the half with the three goal deficit.

The second half brought more of the same sloppy mistakes from Sporting KC that led to squandered opportunities. Twice DC United hit the post on open shots that almost extended the lead for the visitors. Graham Zusi did have a nice shot ten minutes into the second half that caromed off the post but for the most part Sporting were unable to find an substantial opportunities.

The match ended with a 3-0 victory in favor of DC United, finally ending the nightmare game for the exhausted home side. With the win, DC United climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield race. Sporting will return to action Friday night as they host the Houston Dynamo. Hopefully the Dynamo's porous defense will allow Sporting KC to get back on track.