Saad Abdul-Salaam is a defender by trade, but he continued to show his worth on the offensive side in Sunday's 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy at Children's Mercy Park.
Sporting Kansas City's right back delivered an inch-perfect cross in the 69th minute, allowing Dom Dwyer to smash home from close range. Abdul-Salaam notched his sixth assist of the season on the play, moving into a tie for first among MLS defenders. The second-year defender was rewarded for his performance on Monday with a spot on Goal.com's MLS Team of the Week.
2016 MLS ASSIST LEADERS (DEFENDERS)
<strong>PLAYER</strong> |
<strong>CLUB</strong> |
<strong>ASSISTS</strong> |
<strong><em>Saad Abdul-Salaam</em></strong> |
<strong><em>Sporting KC</em></strong> |
<strong><em>6</em></strong> |
R.J. Allen |
New York City FC |
6 |
Kellyn Acosta |
FC Dallas |
5 |
Ambroise Oyongo |
Montreal Impact |
5 |
Demar Phillips |
Real Salt Lake |
5 |
<em>four players tied</em> |
4 |
With the Galaxy content to drop deep and absorb pressure, Abdul-Salaam was an effective contributor to Sporting Kansas City's attack throughout the afternoon. He created another scoring chance in the first half, teeing up a Benny Feilhaber blast that was blocked by Jelle Van Damme, while adding three recoveries, two interceptions and two duels won.
Abdul-Salaam and Sporting Kansas City now prepare for a three-game road swing that begins Saturday when the club travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes. Kickoff at Avaya Stadium is set for 9:30 p.m. CT as Sporting KC (11-12-7, 40 points) looks to keep hold of the sixth and final playoff spot against the chasing Earthquakes (7-8-13, 34 points). SKCTV and 38 The Spot will provide three hours of live television coverage beginning at 9 p.m. CT, while local radio broadcasts will air on 99.3 FM and 1340 AM.
