Sporting KC defeats Central FC 3-1 in final CCL Match

Sporting Kansas City defeats Central FC in a 3-1 victory, concluding their CONCACAF Champions League 2016-2017 season. Mickaeel Jem Gordon scored the first goal to give the visitors the lead but were answered by Cameron Porter, Nansel Selbol and Connor Hallisey for Sporting KC.

Tomas Granitto, Alex Molano, and Nansel Sebol of the Swope Park Rangers, whom were signed to the senior roster yesterday, made their first club appearance. Ever Alvarado and Emmanuel Appiah were recalled from loan. Appiah was on the bench but the other four players played the full 90 minutes, except for Granitto who was substituted with Lawrence Olum in the 70th minute. Tyler Pasher and Emmanuel Appiah did not appear in tonight’s CCL match. However, they are expected to rejoin SPR with Granitto, Molano and Alvarado, prior to their USL Final match this Sunday.

Notably missing from tonight’s roster was Dom Dwyer, Roger Espinoza, Matt Belser, Graham Zusi and few other starters. Suspecting all starters are resting for Decision Day this Sunday, Oct. 23rd against the San Jose Earthquakes. These new roster additions would earn newly-signed Benji Joya his first start.

The last time these two teams met was in a 2-2 draw, so it was no surprise that Sporting KC came out in a strong start nearly scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. Jimmy Medranda, the powerful left-footer, played several crosses to Joya, whom moved the ball forward against Central FC’s defense. With a strong midfield consisting of Medranda, Joya and Granitto, the boys continued to push forward breaking Central FC’s defense throughout the first half creating several chances but unfortunately could not convert.

Mickaeel Jem Gordon scored for Central FC in the 43rd minute, shooting a ball long-side, clear past Kann, opening the score sheet for the Sharks. Just minutes into the second half, Porter scored the equalizer with the assist from Granitto. Coming in a strong offense, Selbol would add to Sporting KC’s scoresheet by shooting a rocket past Williams in the 55th minute. This goal would be the forwards’ second goal of the season and his first for Sporting KC.

During the final minutes of the game, Sporting KC held a strong defense and another of Selbol’s attempts was denied by the goal post. Fear the goal post! The final play came in the form of a PK delivered by Hallisey giving Sporting KC their 3-1 victory over Central FC.