In a clash of the two teams at the top of the Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City beat Minnesota United at Allianz Field in a match that saw both teams score own goals.
The hosts started well, with Ethan Finlay having a shot saved by Tim Melia in the third minute. Quickly, though, the momentum shifted Kansas City's way and the team was able to make it count with a goal in the 12th minute. Gadi Kinda sent a cross into the penalty area that seemed destined for teammate Roger Espinoza, but skipped past goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh and ended up in the back of the net.
Sporting were able to dominate until about the midway point of the first half, when the match leveled out somewhat and the Loons capitalized in the 32nd minute through a Jaylin Lindsey own goal. Finlay's cross into the box saw the ball eventually meet Lindsey's heel, with the ball ending up in the back of the net.
The visitors dominated the early parts of the second half, and within 10 minutes got the eventual game-winner through the night's second own goal. This time, Johnny Russell's cross across the goal line meant the ball ended up at the feet of a sliding Michael Boxall, who sent the ball behind Ranjitsingh to give SKC the lead once more.
Minnesota spent the rest of the match looking for an equalizer, though they came up with only a few meaningful opportunities as the pace of the game slowed. In the end, it was Kansas City who won and extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference.
Goals
- 12' - KC - Gadi Kinda | WATCH
- 32' - MIN - Jaylin Lindsey (OG) | WATCH
- 55' KC - Michael Boxall (OG) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It was not a perfect game for either side, as all three goals owed a large amount to fortune. Both had their bright spots, but Kansas City's early dominance paid off as the impressive start to the 2020 regular season continues for Peter Vermes' side.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: An even match finally broke for one team with Boxall's own goal in the 55th minute, as Kansas City benefitted from the game's second own goal.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Kansas City's Gianluca Busio managed a strong game in central midfield. He was instrumental during the team's best attacking moments and boasted a 91 percent passing accuracy on the night.
Next Up
- MIN: Saturday, August 29 at FC Dallas (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- KC: Tuesday, August 25 vs. Houston Dynamo (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
