Sporting Kansas City secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a Saturday night MLS match at Children’s Mercy Park. The win marked Sporting’s 75th shutout at Children’s Mercy Park and their first clean sheet since May 13.
Remi Walter opened the scoring for Sporting in the 33rd minute, followed by a goal from Alan Pulido just before halftime. Erik Thommy, who came off the bench at halftime, added Sporting’s third goal in the 53rd minute. The win lifted Sporting within one point of a playoff position in the Western Conference.
The victory ended Sporting’s four-game winless streak against Vancouver and also saw them surpass 350 regular season goals at Children’s Mercy Park and 450 goals at the stadium across all competitions.
Sporting’s next match will be against Houston Dynamo FC on July 8, as they continue their midsummer schedule. Houston Dynamo FC has been strong defensively at home, having conceded only three goals in nine home fixtures this season.
Remi Walter scored the opening goal with an assist from Gadi Kinda, who skillfully evaded defenders and played a through ball for Walter to finish. Daniel Salloi had an opportunity to extend Sporting’s lead but was denied by Vancouver’s goalkeeper.
In first-half stoppage time, Tim Leibold provided a cross for Johnny Russell, whose effort went wide. However, Leibold’s second cross found Alan Pulido, who scored to make it 2-0. Pulido has been in fine form, setting a new career-high with nine goals this season.
Sporting controlled the second half and had a scare when Vancouver’s shot was blocked in the six-yard box. Sporting quickly counterattacked, with Salloi setting up Russell, whose shot was saved by Vancouver’s goalkeeper. Erik Thommy added Sporting’s third goal after Takaoka’s mistake, deflecting his shot into the net.
Goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh had a quiet night, with Vancouver’s only shot on target being saved in the 90th minute.
Sporting Kansas City’s win puts them in a strong position as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Major League Soccer scoreboard from Saturday, July 1, 2023:
Cincinnati 2, New England 2
Columbus, NY Red Bulls 1
Miami 1, Austin 1
Orlando 3, Chicago 1
Real Salt Lake 1, Toronto 0
Dallas 2, LAFC 0
Sporting Kansas City 3, Vancouver 0
Minnesota 4, Portland 1
Nashville 2, D.C. United 0
St. Louis City FC 2, Colorado 0
NYCFC 1, Montreal 0
San Jose 2, LA Galaxy 2
Seattle 1, Houston 0
