Sporting Kansas City showcased their resilience at home, defeating Charlotte FC in a captivating encounter that left fans breathless. The match began with a setback for the hosts, as Idan Toklomati put Charlotte ahead in the 33rd minute with a well-executed play. However, the tide turned quickly after halftime when Mason Toye equalized for Sporting KC in the 48th minute.
Just two minutes later, Sporting Kansas City seized the lead, turning the game around at 50 minutes, showcasing their attacking prowess.
In the first half, Sporting Kansas City almost celebrated a goal when Magomed Suleymanov hit the post, leaving the crowd in suspense.
The standout performer of the match was Dejan Joveljic, who displayed an impressive level of play, scoring one goal and making six attempts at the opposing goal. Mason Toye also shone brightly with his contribution of a goal.
Coach Kerry Zavagnin deployed a 4-3-3 formation with John Pulskamp guarding the net; Jake Davis, Jansen Miller, Joaquín Fernández, and Logan Ndenbe formed the defense; while Jacob Bartlett, Manu García, and Erik Thommy controlled the midfield; and Magomed Suleymanov, Dejan Joveljic, and Daniel Salloi led the attack.
On the other side, Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC entered the match with a 4-3-3 setup as well, featuring Kristijan Kahlina in goal; Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, and Souleyman Doumbia in defense; Pep Biel, Ashley Westwood, and Eryk Williamson in the midfield; and Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, and Wilfried Zaha up front.
The referee for this gripping contest held at Children’s Mercy Park was Rubiel Vázquez.
Looking ahead, Sporting Kansas City will face the Colorado Rapids away in their next match, while Charlotte FC prepares to host Orlando City SC.
Substitutions for Sporting Kansas City
68’ 2H – Magomed Suleymanov off for Santiago Muñoz and Erik Thommy off for Memo Rodríguez
84’ 2H – Daniel Salloi off for Mason Toye
97’ 2H – Dejan Joveljic off for Ian James
Yellow Cards for Sporting Kansas City
21’ 2H Joaquín Fernández (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Charlotte FC
65’ 2H – Idan Toklomati off for Tyger Smalls and Eryk Williamson off for Brandt Bronico
77’ 2H – Wilfried Zaha off for Kerwin Vargas
87’ 2H – Liel Abada off for Nicholas Scardina and Souleyman Doumbia off for Djibril Diani
Yellow Cards for Charlotte FC
9’ 2H Eryk Williamson (Unsporting behavior) and 17’ 2H Wilfried Zaha (Repetitive fouls)