"This Week in Sporting," presented by The Smile Generation, is a weekly series that highlights the biggest storylines and news updates from Sporting Kansas City.
1. Comeback Kids
Alan Pulido and Daniel Salloi struck second-half goals to spark a dramatic comeback victory as Sporting Kansas City (7-3-2, 23 points) edged 10-man LAFC (3-4-3, 12 points) in a 2-1 thriller at electric Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday afternoon.
In a game that entertained from beginning to end, Sporting suffered a setback in the first half when Kim Moon-Hwan fired the visitors ahead against the run of play. Like they have done so often this season, Manager Peter Vermes’ men responded admirably with Pulido equalizing near the hour mark—shortly after LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon was sent off—and Salloi continuing his red-hot run of form by sinking an 87th-minute winner.
The momentous result lifts Sporting within a point of Supporters’ Shield leaders Seattle Sounders FC ahead of tonight’s MLS action and gives the team a remarkable 16 points from losing positions this year, 10 more than any other club. Just 12 games into the 2021 campaign, Sporting has equaled a regular season club record with five comeback wins.
2. Team of the Week Stars
Sporting Kansas City Academy products Gianluca Busio and Daniel Salloi were selected to the MLS Team of the Week today after leading the team to a dramatic 2-1 win over LAFC on Saturday at Children’s Mercy Park.
Three days after bagging a brace to spur a 3-1 home triumph over the Colorado Rapids, Salloi stayed red hot with a brilliant 87th-minute strike that decided the contest. He also drew a red card on LAFC’s Tristan Blackmon after the defender fouled Salloi to deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Busio, meanwhile, recorded the game-winning assist to Salloi, won a game-high five tackles and 12 duels, and completed 59 of 68 passes as part of an all-action midfield performance.
3. Fourth of July in LA
Manager Peter Vermes’ men will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday when the club visits LA Galaxy (7-3-0, 21 points) for a marquee Fourth of July showdown at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The Western Conference clash will kick off at 9:30 p.m. CT with three hours of live coverage beginning at 9 p.m. CT on Bally Sports Kansas City, Bally Sports Midwest Plus, BallySports.com and the Bally Sports app. The contest will also air locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB (English) and La Grande 1340 AM (Spanish), with The Final Whistle postgame show immediately following on 810 WHB.
4. Argyle Ace
Sporting Kansas City and The Victory Project have announced the launch of Argyle Ace presented by Mazuma, a fundraising raffle debuting today that features weekly prizes and a progressive cash jackpot. Argyle Ace presented by Mazuma is the latest initiative tied to “A Force for Good,” a new philanthropic campaign in which Sporting and The Victory Project join forces with local partners to help children and meet crucial community needs. Half of all proceeds from Argyle Ace will go directly to The Victory Project.
5. Academy in Action
The Sporting Kansas City Academy U-19s have advanced to the quarterfinals of the inaugural MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas, defeating Boston Bolts and FC United in the first two rounds of the single-elimination competition. Tuesday morning’s quarterfinal matchup will see Sporting face Chicago Fire FC at 9 a.m. CT with live updates on Twitter at @SKCAcademy. The winner will advance to the semifinals on Thursday, with the tournament final slated for Saturday.
6. SKC II Thriller
Playing their fourth match in 11 days, Sporting Kansas City II (2-6-4, 10 points) claimed a resolute 3-2 victory over Memphis 901 FC (2-4-2, 8 points) on Saturday night at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Rojay Smith, Enoch Mushagalusa and Danny Barbir were among the goal scorers in the five-goal slugfest as head coach Paulo Nagamura’s side emerged victorious in the Music City.
Sporting KC II will continue their USL Championship campaign on Friday when they host Central Division heavyweights Louisville City FC (5-2-2, 17 points). Kickoff at Children’s Mercy Park is set for 7 p.m. CT and the game will stream live on ESPN Plus.
