Sporting KC takes first half lead but surrenders late goals to fall 4-3 in Austin

Sporting Kansas City lost 4-3 to Austin FC on Saturday night. Sporting KC, desperate for points to keep their slim playoff chances alive, showed strong early in the game. Goals from Andreu Fontas, Willy Agada and a successful penalty from captain Johnny Russsel gave SKC the opportunity to go into the dressing room with a 3-1 lead over the home side.

The second half was almost entirely in Austin’s favour, as they clinched goals one after the other until golden boot leader Sebastion Driussi put what could have been the final nail in SKC’s postseason hopes.

First half

If Fontas scores, it should go in a good direction for the game. It was the 32-year-old Spanish defender’s first goal of the season and his second with SKC. There was a restart right in front of the penalty area, where Erik Thommy was fouled. Thommy took the restart and put a low shot through the wall that rebounded off Austin goalie Brad Stuver back to Fontas on goal.

Optimism continued to grow as SKC scored their second goal. An excellent long pass from Graham Zusi to Roger Espinoza opened the game. Espinoza’s shot ricocheted to the left where Agada regained control and fired from a difficult angle. Luckily, Stuver recovered from Espinoza’s shot and dived back a little late, tangling in the net and allowing a goal.

Austin pulled one back when SKC failed to clear the ball (more than once) and defender Jon Gallagher was finally able to put a shot through traffic to make it 2-1.

Erik Thommy continued to prove his worth by earning a penalty for SKC. Ethan Finlay took him into the box. Captain Johnny Russell scored a penalty to make it 3-1.

Second half

The second half didn’t go so well for SKC. Austin is known for coming from behind and racking up 20 points after being down. Almost the same amount that SKC has all year round.

Julio Cascante found himself in the right spot (not defending) and headed it into the net to make it a one-goal game.

Striker Danny Hoesen made it 3-3 in the 85th minute when Felipe Martins chipped the ball towards the SKC box. Hoesen was held when SKC’s defense failed to clear the line quickly and failed to defend him.

Driussi makes 4:3…

After all, Sporting KC helped Austin to a record.

There will be discussions…