Sporting KC falls 2-1 in Minnesota

In an attempt to keep their playoff chances alive, Sporting Kansas City went on the road to face Minnesota United in a midweek match but came up short. Like many of the games in 2019, Sporting KC’s could not finish enough of their chances and then could not hold their opponents late in the match.

Sporting KC took the lead in the 7th minute when Botond Barath put a ball from Johnny Russell past Vito Mannone. It may have been a handball but Sporting KC wasn’t going to turn down a lucky break.

The visitors had the better of the play, possession and scoring opportunities through the first half but could not add to their lead and ultimately that was their downfall.

The Loons leveled the score in the 70th when Abu Danladi redircted a corner from Jan Gregus into the center of the Sporting KC box. Osvaldo Alonso slipped through the defense to volley it past Tim Melia to make it 1-1.

With the slimmest of playoff hopes slipping away from the visitors, missing several chances from within the box, the home side kept pushing for the win. The late goal bug bit Sporting KC again.

With seconds left in regulation, Hassani Dotson danced through Sporting KC’s defense before launching a shot. The ball deflected off Barath leaving no chance for Melia to make the save.

Despite the 2-1 score in favor of the Loons, Sporting KC did not give up but were still unable to find the net.

Sporting KC has now officially been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since the re-brand. On the other side of the result, Minnesota will be in their first ever playoffs.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports