RSL beats Sporting KC, 2-1, but fails in playoff bid

The score line of the first half of the game may have been dominated by two RSL goals, but both teams took it in turn to be the attacking force. As always, this matchup with Sporting Kansas City was heated and there were no shortage of hard challenges or fouls.

The first goal came in the third minute. A scramble in the box led to Brooks Lennon passing to Albert Rusnak, who then puts the assist up and Luis Silva is able to convert.

Sporting Kansas City spent the next 15 minutes or so as the dominating force on the field, but was unable to convert any of their chances. The tide then shifted and RSL was clearly creating more chances and SKC seemed to be on their back heels.

In the 26th minute of play, the entire stadium cheered for Kevin Pierce, a Section 26 member who recently passed away. Many in the stadium held up their scarves in memory of Kevin and in support of his family and friends.

The first yellow card of the game was issued to Dániel Sallói in the 28th minute for a studs up tackle on Acosta. The ref immediately went to his front pocket to issue the card. Acosta was slow to get up but seemed fine after a moment.

The second goal of the game happened in the 40th minute. Books Lennon fired a shot directly at the keeper who blocks but spilled right back to Lennon and his second shot finds the back of the net. 2-0 to RSL.

The second half was much the same as the first. Sporting came out as the attacking force and looked hungry for a goal. Good defending and some heroics from Rimando kept SKC at bay for most of the game. There were quite a few hard tackles, but much like the first half, only was yellow card was issued (Matt Besler).

In the 88th minute, a foul from Acosta leads to a SKC free kick near the corner. Opara is able to find the back of the net with a diving header the whizzes passed Rimando. 2-1 with RSL in the lead.

As the final whistle is blown, RSL wins against Sporting Kansas City, but as other results go against the team, they fail to make the playoffs.

RSL Substitutions

73’ - Savarino for Plata

79’ – Phillips for Plata

86’ – Movsisyan for Luis Silva