After starting the 2017 MLS Season with two scoreless draws, Sporting Kansas City ended a pair of streaks on Saturday, out-playing and defeating the previously undefeated San Jose Earthquakes, 2-1, at Children’s Mercy Park.
Sporting Kansas City playmaker Benny Feilhaber halted his side’s 2017 drought by curling home a beautiful shot in the 37th minute that left San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham frozen on his line. They doubled their lead late in the match thanks to a mistake and own goal from Bingham. However, San Jose refused to quit, getting on the board in the 93rd minute when Florian Jungwirth slotted home a chance from close range.
Goals
- 37' – SKC – Benny Feilhaber Watch
- 89' – SKC – David Bingham (OG) Watch
- 92' – SJ – Florian Jungwirth Watch
Three Things
- BENNY DOES BENNY: After being left off the US roster for the upcoming 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Benny Feilhaber’s brilliant finish on Saturday offered a taste of what Bruce Arena will miss by omitting the dynamic talent.
Few players in MLS have the technique to score in the fashion Feilhaber did in bagging his first goal of the 2017 season with what will surely be a contender for Goal of the Week. NO PK LOVE FOR DWYER: Speaking of potential U.S. national team players, Sporting Kansas City striker Dom Dwyer was his usual pesky-self on Saturday, working hard without the ball in leading SKC’s line of pressure throughout the match.
Dwyer will look back on the match and perhaps feel frustrated in his lack of love from the officiating crew, as the talisman created two situations early in the first half that might have yielded a spot kick on a different day.WHERE DID THE SHOOTING GO?: After putting up 18 shots in their first match of the season and 21 in their second, the San Jose Earthquakes saw a significant decrease on Saturday in Kansas City, only managing five throughout the 90 minutes.
Credit to the stifling Sporting Kansas City midfield, or lack of ideas from the visitors?
Next Up
SKC: Friday, March 31 – at Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | FS1, MLS LIVE in Canada)
SJ: CONCACAF Champions League: Saturday, April 1 – at New York City FC (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE)
