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Real Salt Lake Vs Sporting KC: 3 things we learned – SKC youngsters shine

By Nathan Dunn

Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Johnny Russell (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Johnny Russell (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, KS – MAY 29: Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi (8) charges to the ball during the match between Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, KS – MAY 29: Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi (8) charges to the ball during the match between Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. SKC’s game management improves

Starting with a 56-second and 17-pass buildup, Gerso Fernandes supplied a delightful finishing touches to put Sporting KC up 2-0 in the 86th-minute. The goal secured all three points for SKC, who closed out the game excellently.

SKC have struggled in protecting leads since 2019. On this occasion, though they saw off the threat from Real Salt Lake relatively easily. Defensively, Peter Vermes’ men did well in not allowing RSL a real chance at finding an equalizer.

Since the start of last season, SKC have allowed teams to salvage results late in matches time and time again. In the opening two matches of this tournament, Matt Besler and the backline gave up three goals after the 75th minute. On this occasion, though, with Graham Smith replacing the Sporting KC captain, they didn’t really even allow RSL a sniff at goal.

Next. Montreal Impact Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned. dark

Smith, of course, is not going to be a long-term replacement for Besler, but it was encouraging for Sporting KC to see them manage a game they were winning in the closing stages.

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