In an exhilarating match this Saturday, Seattle Sounders defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-2 during Week 20 of the MLS. The unwavering consistency and sharpness of Brian Schmetzer’s squad proved too much for their opponents, who fought valiantly yet left empty-handed in this titanic battle. Sporting KC managed to score through Dejan Joveljic (21’ 2T, penalty) and Santiago Muñoz (50’ 2T, penalty), but it was Seattle’s night, with goals from Jordan Morris (14’ 1T), Albert Rusnák (26’ 1T, penalty), and Jesús Ferreira (52’ 1T), leading to a well-earned celebration for the home team.
Notably, Daniel Salloi had a promising chance to narrow the gap in the 72nd minute, but his shot hit the woodwork, denying Sporting Kansas crucial momentum.
Jesús Ferreira’s performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, as he not only scored a goal but also attempted four shots on target. Albert Rusnák was equally formidable, netting one goal and making three attempts to challenge Sporting KC’s defense.
Sporting Kansas City’s head coach, Kerry Zavagnin, set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring John Pulskamp in goal; Khiry Shelton, Jansen Miller, Joaquín Fernández, and Logan Ndenbe in defense; Memo Rodríguez, Manu García, and Zorhan Bassong in midfield; and Magomed Suleymanov, Dejan Joveljic, and Daniel Salloi in attack.
Meanwhile, Brian Schmetzer’s Sounders took to the field with a 4-5-1 formation, with Andrew Thomas guarding the net; Alexander Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Jonathan Bell, and Nouhou Tolo in defense; Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira, Albert Rusnák, and Paul Rothrock in midfield; and Jordan Morris leading the attack.
The match, officiated by Elijio Arreguin, took place at Children’s Mercy Park.
Looking ahead to their next fixtures, Sporting KC will host New York City FC, while Seattle Sounders will face Colorado Rapids at home.
Substitutions for Sporting Kansas City
79’ 2T – Daniel Salloi for Mason Toye, Logan Ndenbe for Nemanja Radoja. 83’ 2T – Khiry Shelton for Andrew Brody.
Yellow Cards for Sporting Kansas City:
35’ 1T Magomed Suleymanov (Unsporting behavior), 32’ 2T Manu García (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Seattle Sounders
45’ 2T – Jordan Morris for Danny Musovski, Magomed Suleymanov for Santiago Muñoz, and Memo Rodríguez for Jake Davis. 62’ 2T – Paul Rothrock for Ryan Kent and Jesús Ferreira for Pedro De La Vega. 77’ 2T – Alexander Roldan for Reed Baker-Whiting. 81’ 2T – Albert Rusnák for Danny Leyva.
Yellow Cards for Seattle Sounders:
38’ 1T Jonathan Bell (Unsporting behavior), 50’ 1T Cristian Roldan (Unsporting behavior), 35’ 2T Obed Vargas (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing), 36’ 2T Albert Rusnák (Delaying the game).
Red Card for Seattle Sounders:
48’ 2T Nouhou Tolo (Direct red).