Sporting Kansas City bagged a 2-0 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps in a dominating wire-to-wire performance in a match pitting Western Conference opponents.
The home side were the early aggressors in the first half, owning the vast majority of possession and chances. Both Brad Davis and Graham Zusi ripped shots that just barely missed the target. They finally broke through when Jacob Peterson deflected the ball past 'Caps goalkeeper David Ousted off a corner kick situation for his fourth goal of the season.
Vancouver opened the second half by pressuring Sporting Kansas City, nearly equalizing twice in the first 10 minutes after the break.
However, Peterson was not done putting his stamp on the affairs, drawing a penalty that Benny Feilhaber deposited in the back of the net in the 64th minute. Feilhaber initially had his attempt saved by Ousted, however the Vancouver netminder came off his line too early, giving Feilhaber a second opportunity.
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday in CONCACAF Champions League action.
Box Score
- 39' – SKC – Jacob Peterson (Nuno Coelho, Benny Feilhaber)
- 64' – SKC – Benny Feilhaber
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Three Things
1. PETERSON BEAST MODE
Jacob Peterson has been a huge contributor for Sporting Kansas City this season. Saturday night’s 2-0 victory was no different. Peterson nabbed the game-winning goal in the first half, helped salt the win by earning a penalty in the second half and was a menace defensively, hustling and helping break up Vancouver attacks.
2. VANCOUVER DROUGHT
It has been an ugly couple of months of road play for Vancouver. They have not managed a goal away from home in MLS since June 25, when they defeated the Philadelphia Union, 3-2. They have now lost four games in a row, their longest losing streak of the season by two games.
3. VERSATILE ZUSI
For the second time this season, Graham Zusi was deployed as a fullback. Normally used as a winger, the US international did a fantastic job getting forward and contributing to Sporting Kansas City’s attack. Zusi showed off his speed and technique, nearly scoring from his defensive position. Will Peter Vermes continue to tinker with Zusi’s position as he looks to secure a Western Conference playoff spot?
Next Up
SKC: Tuesday at Vancouver Whitecaps, CONCACAF Champions League (7:30pm ET | facebook.com, UDN on tape delay)
VAN: Tuesday vs. Sporting Kansas City, CONCACAF Champions League (7:30pm ET | facebook.com, UDN on tape delay)
