Sporting Kansas City defeated Columbus 3-0 at Sporting Park to move three points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Claudio Bieler scored his 10th goal of the season, Soony Saad added another in the 41st minute, and C.J. Sapong capped things off with a 55th minute header. The win is Sporting KC's eighth home win of the season and improves their goal difference to an Eastern Conference best +14 goal difference.
Man of the Match
Soony Saad snapped a three match scoring drought in a strong showing Saturday night at Sporting Park. The forward extended Sporting KC's lead to two goals in the 41st minute with a perfectly taken shot that beat Columbus goalkeeper Matt Lampson. Along with the goal, Saad won two of three aerial duels, completed 27 passes, and led the team with two good crosses.
Turning Point
Benny Feilhaber's show of class and skill that earned a penalty kick was a perfect start for Sporting KC. The midfielder, who's been in fantastic form of late, beat a Columbus player off the dribble and was tripped up inside the 18 yard box. Moments later, Claudio Bieler calmly stepped up and converted the penalty to earn his 10th goal of the season. Sporting KC's record when scoring the first goal is MLS play this season is now 11-2-3.
A few stats
- Jimmy Nielsen is now tied for the MLS lead with 10 shutouts this season
- Jimmy Medranda made his MLS debut in the 90th minute
- C.J. Sapong won eight of nine aerial duels
- Ike Opara led all players with 57 passes
