Sporting KC remains winless after defeat at FC Dallas. But they’re no longer scoreless
Sporting Kansas City scored their first goal of the 2023 season but failed to bring home their first win.
Daniel Salloi finally broke Sporting KC’s goalless streak in the season-opener, ending it after 281 minutes – 76 minutes shy of a club record set in 1999 – with an 11th-minute goal.
But two goals from FC Dallas in the second half was too much for Sporting KC, who failed twice on penalties in the second half.
“We have two chances to score on penalties,” said Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes. “You should get these…at least 80% in your favor, and especially if you get two.”
After the goal that put Sporting KC ahead (0-2-2), Salloi saved a loose ball at the top of the 18-yard box. He took a touch with the outside of his boot and broke off a shot that deflected off a FC Dallas defender, went over the home keeper and landed in the net.
Salloi was delighted with his goal in his post-match press conference, but the result left a sour taste in the Hungarian’s mouth.
“I’m happy about it (the goal), not the result,” said Salloi. “Hopefully the first win will come very soon, because we can’t lose any more points like this.”
FC Dallas went from behind 10 minutes into the second half when Alan Velasco calmly curled a shot into the net.
Sporting KC won a penalty shortly after equalizing. Ben Sweat’s perfect pass to Willy Agada gave him a 1v1 opportunity. After Marten Paes brought Agada down, the Nigerian striker stepped forward to take his penalty but it was saved by Paes.
VAR ruled Paes went off his line too early on the first penalty attempt, so Sporting sent Erik Thommy for a replay. This attempt was also saved by Dallas.
In the 84th minute, FC Dallas’s Jesus Ferreira fired the first shot, which was saved, after a poor goal from Sweat. But no Sporting defender followed the rebound and Ferreira was the first to hit the ball to put his team ahead.
Just before the 90th minute, Sporting KC thought they had won another penalty but VAR ruled Felipe Hernandez was offside at the first chance and called back.
Sporting will be frustrated because in the first 45 minutes the FC Dallas defense had done an excellent job stemming the tide of FC Dallas attack. Dallas’ first goal came from a clever play that led to a brilliant finish from Dallas’ Argentine star.
But aside from the penalty chances, Sporting KC’s attack didn’t produce much. Salloi said they gave Dallas too much space.
“We fell back too far and this is a good team,” said Salloi. “They will create their chances.
“They scored two good goals, we missed our penalties and our chances. … It’s not good enough.”
Sporting KC have only two points in four games this season. The team returns home next Saturday to host the Seattle Sounders at Children’s Mercy Park.
Originally published