Sporting Kansas City defeated Cruz Azul FC 1-0 last night in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series. And while the goal of the match was to come away with a victory, a more important victory was the zero goals allowed to the visitors.
Under CONCACAF regulations, in the event the aggregate score is tied at the end of regulation in Leg 2, the team with the greater aggregate number of away goals scored in regulation time in the two matches (excluding any goals scored in overtime) would advance to the semifinals.
For goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, the shutout was his fourth of the competition. Last night's shutout moved him past Sporting Legend Tony Meola for first on the club's all-time chart for most shutouts in international competition. The veteran goalkeeper has allowed only one goal in five Champions League matches for a paltry 0.2 goals against average.
Kronberg is also tied with Alajuelense goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton with four shutouts and a 0.2 GAA in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League. In the 2012-13 competition, Santos Laguna goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathon Orozco finished the tournament with four shutouts apiece. Both of those teams advanced to the championship round of the tournament with Monterrey winning 4-2 on aggregate.
Last night's shutout also dropped Kronberg's all-time goals against average in all competitions to 0.72.
With last night's shutout, Sporting KC fans can receive 50% off any regular priced online order at a local participating Papa John's by using the code 'SPORTINGKC' at checkout. This offer is valid through Friday.
