KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Unable to generate much offense in the first 45 minutes, a physical FC Dallas side held on, defeating Sporting Kansas City, 3-2, Saturday at Children’s Mercy Park.
SKC forward Johnny Russell scored twice, earning the team lead in goals with five.
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) August 26, 2020
FC Dallas drew first blood in the 42nd minute, finding the back of the net off a Franco Jara header.
Jara, a forward, wasted no time extending Dallas’ lead, scoring in the 48th minute off a sloppy SKC clearance.
Down two goals, Sporting turned up the attacking pressure. Forward Johnny Russell buried a lame ball off the boot of midfielder Gianluca Busio.
Continuing to push, defender Amadou Dia earned a free kick just outside the SKC box late in the second half, setting up the second goal of the day for Sporting off Russell’s foot.
The game's critical mistake came from veteran midfielder/defender Graham Zusi. His turnover in the 87th minute gave Dallas an easy touch goal, and Sporting’s third loss of the year.
Despite inching closer to game action according to SKC Head Coach Peter Vermes, SKC’s lone designated player Alan Pulido remained inactive Saturday. The Mexican forward has missed the team’s past four matches.
Including friendly competitions, Saturday’s match was the 200th in the history of Children’s Mercy Park. The stadium opened in June 2011.
