Sporting KC Vs Minnesota United: 3 things we learned – Disappointment for SKC

1. Sporting KC disappointment familiar

With an entire list of missed chances that started inside the opening few minutes of the game, Sporting KC looked good in all areas other than the finishing touch. Those missed opportunities came back to bite them after being reduced to 10 men.

Perhaps some more timely substitutions would have helped preserve a point at the minimum. Sporting KC were excellent in the first half. They created numerous openings, Alan Pulido was sensational in a free-roaming number nine role, while the only issue was their finishing. Then, as the pressure mounted late on, SKC’s inability to slow the game down and retain possession under distress late in the match will be a worry.

This feeling is all too familiar for Sporting KC. While they are a much better side than in 2019, they have to find a way to avoid mistakes late in matches and secure every point they can get. SKC showed glimpses of why they are supposed to be among the best in MLS, and yet they chucked it away with a poor red card and inability to see the game out.

While Sporting KC are not out of the tournament just yet, this was a worrying sign. They can blame no one other than themselves for Friday’s debacle. And now, with much to be learned, Peter Vermes and his players must get a minimum of a point on Friday against the Colorado Rapids.