Sporting Top New York

Sporting KC got their first win of their preseason yesterday against the New York Red Bulls 3-0. With the Red Bulls facing off against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday all of New York's starters have returned to New York to prepare for that game. That left the Red Bulls lineup with end of the roster players, trialists, and unsigned draft picks to take on Sporting KC.

Sporting started the game with what looks to be the club's starting 11 heading into the season with Graham Zusi at right back and Latif Blessing starting on the wing. KC controlled the game as expected with their starting 11 and created a number of chances but couldn't beat the Red Bulls defense. It took a foul by goalkeeper Rafael Diaz in the box on Dom Dwyer as he broke behind the Red Bulls defense to open the scoring. Dwyer stepped up to take the penalty and put it in off the post to put KC up in the 31st minute.

Sporting's starters stayed in the game through the half time break, playing a full hour, but were unable to extend their lead. After the full changes, Sporting's reserves continued to dominate the game, Daniel Salloi hit the cross bar in the 79th minute after some good work down the middle of the field. KC got their insurance in the 82nd minute when Salloi played a ball across the box towards Jimmy Medranda. The Colombian dummied the ball, letting it run through his legs to Cameron Porter who took a touch and fired a shot from a tight angle that beat goalkeeper Evan Louro high to make it 2-0. Four minutes later KC added a third as a corner by Medranda was flicked towards goal by a Red Bulls defender. Louro and Soony Saad both challenged for it, Louro got a touch on it but Salloi was following the play and headed the ball into the net to make it 3-0. Saad had a late chance to make it 4-0 in the 90th minute, his curlin free kick beat Louro, but couldn't beat the far post, where it hit the elbow of the goal.

The 3-0 win though was convincing, Sporting will finish up pool play of the Desert Diamond Cup on Wednesday against the New England Revolution.