Sporting Kansas City striker Erik Hurtado may have grabbed the headlines in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC—and rightfully so, for goodness sake—but it was another in-form attacker who was recognized for his performance by MLSsoccer.com this afternoon.
Winger Johnny Russell was named to the bench for the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi after assisting Gerso Fernandes’ 53rd-minute equalizer and helping Sporting to their third victory in the space of nine days.
Manager Peter Vermes’ side faced an early 1-0 deficit on Sunday as Walker Zimmerman headed home for the visitors. Nashville’s lead lasted eight minutes into the second half, when Russell slalomed past a slew of defenders to tee up Gerso for the simplest of close-range finishes. Sporting would then find their match-winner courtesy of Hurtado, who came off the bench to score one of the greatest goals in club history in the 79th minute to seal the result.
Russell has been in sizzling form over the last month, tallying four goals and two assists in his last six appearances, and delivered another solid outing versus expansion side Nashville with two created chances—including his assist to Gerso—plus game-highs in dribbles completed (four) and duels won (eight).
For good measure, Russell completed 54 of 59 passes at a clip of 91.5%, the second highest of any field player in the match. He also led MLS in Week 17 with 29 successful passes in the attacking third.
Now just a point behind Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders FC, Russell and Sporting will look to continue their winning ways on Wednesday when they visit Toyota Stadium to face FC Dallas at 7:30 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.
