Sporting Kansas City extended their unbeaten streak to five matches with a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena against the New York Red Bulls. It was another solid defensive effort with the team preserving a 1-0 lead on a first half Aurelien Collin goal.
Man of the Match
Aurelien Collin was active on both ends of the pitch with the lone goal and some timely defending. NY created several chances in the second half but it was committed effort from the Frenchmen and the rest of the backline to keep the clean sheet. Sporting KC's strength in recent seasons has been their defense and tonight's match was a great example. Collin has scored three goals in the last two seasons and should continue to be a threat on set pieces.
Turning point
The 13th minute goal from Aurelien Collin was a crucial point of the match. Zusi delivered a good cross into the box and Collin beat NY's Jamison Olave to the ball with a great run at the near post. The goal put the pressure squarely on NY who couldn't find an equalizer. Sporting KC seized the momentum with the early goal and put NY on their heels for large stretches of the first half. NY rallied in the second with an improved performance but wasn't able to breakthrough the stingy Sporting KC defense.
A few stats
- The clean sheet extends Sporting KC's shutout streak to 519 minutes, which is seventh all-time in MLS.
- Graham Zusi's game-winning assist moves him into sole possession of third place in club history with 11
- Jimmy Nielsen's shutout is his 37th which ties him with Tony Meola for the club record.
- Today is the second time that Sporting KC and the KC Royals have won by the same score (credit to PCarrESPN)
