San Jose Earthquakes 1, Sporting Kansas City 5 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Jose Romero

Sporting Kansas City cruised to a 5-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night, and with the three points took over first place in the West.

Gerso Fernandes recorded a brace, Felipe Gutierrez had a goal and two assists and Ike Opara put in a rebound against his former club. SKC moved one point ahead of FC Dallas in the Western Conference, 51-50, after FC Dallas played to a scoreless draw with Columbus.

SKC, with wins in six of their last seven games, might have led by more at the half if not for athletic saves from Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell.

San Jose got a goal from Danny Hoesen late and had chances in the second half, including when Jahmir Hyka hit the crossbar with a shot in the 58th minute. The Earthquakes have four losses in their last six matches.

Krisztian Nemeth made it 4-0 when he put the ball into an open net off a pass from Fernandes in the 67th minute, and Fernandes capped off his big night with the final goal of the game in the 86th.

Goals

18' – SKC – Felipe Gutierrez | WATCH
23' – SKC – Gerso Fernandes | WATCH
42' – SKC – Ike Opara | WATCH
67' – SKC – Krisztian Nemeth | WATCH
80' – SJ – Danny Hoesen | WATCH
86' – SKC – Gerso Fernandes | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Sporting Kansas City could hardly do wrong on Saturday, especially on their attack and the way they passed the ball. For the second time in franchise history, they scored five goals in an away match. The schedule is tough going forward until the end of the regular season, but SKC's current form in close to best in the West right now. For San Jose, the questions are whether Chris Wondolowski can get to 145 (or more) goals for the MLS record, and if and when they will decide to get a look at other players on their roster as the season winds down.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: There were many, but take a moment to watch the ease of getting the ball from one side to the other and into the middle to set up a scoring chance, and ultimately Opara's rebound goal that effectively put away the Earthquakes.

42' ⚽ WATCH @ikeopara bury his old club 😤#SJvSKC 0-3 #ForGloryForCity pic.twitter.com/5Geq1XeNcO
— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) September 16, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gerso didn't just score, he had two assists in a memorable performance. He and his teammates created space and executed in situations where they had a man advantage on the attack.