Sporting Kansas City’s hopes for a playoff spot were dashed in a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers. Despite being on top of the ball for much of the game, Sporting KC gave up a late goal and failed to capitalize on their chances. The defeat has left them at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings with a record of 2-7-5, six points behind a playoff spot.
The deciding goal came in the 79th minute from Portland midfielder Evander Ferreira, who scored with a header in the box. The goal was initially flagged for offside but was allowed after a VAR review ruled that striker Felipe Mora was onside.
Sporting KC had several opportunities to equalize, including Johnny Russell’s header in the 97th minute that was saved by Portland goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Memo Rodriguez managed to level the score for Sporting in the 63rd minute with a goal from just outside the box, after Erik Thommy had to leave the field with an injury and Felipe Hernandez replaced him. Prior to that, Portland had taken an early lead in the 51st minute with a header from Mora off an Evander cross.
In terms of shots on target, Sporting KC struggled, being outshot 11-6 and managing only two shots on target with a 0.28 xG despite having 57% possession. Goalkeeper Tim Melia reached a milestone of over 25,000 SKC minutes played in all competitions during the match while center-back Andreu Fontàs surpassed 10,000 regular season minutes played for the club. Sporting KC will now return home to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m