COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Rookie forward CJ Sapong broke a 0-0 stalemate in the third minute of extra time to put Sporting Kansas City past the Houston Dynamo, 1-0, in the semifinal qualifier of the US Open Cup.
Sapong’s goal came off an impressive curling right-footed shot into the upper right corner, just out of Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric’s reach. The goal was born of a nice individual effort where Sapong dribbled through the middle of the Dynamo backline to get the winning shot off.
The Dynamo immediately pushed numbers forward to try to get the equalizer. Jason Garey got free in the box in the 116th minute but headed Corey Ashe’s cross directly to Sporting KC goalkeeper Eric Kronberg.
Rookie forward Will Bruin – who was very active as a second half sub – got a few chances early in extra time but was unable to draw the Dynamo even. Houston controlled the possession for the balance of extra time but couldn’t find the equalizer.
The first 90 minutes saw neither team gain an advantage on the scoreboard or in the run of play. Control of the match went back and forth with both teams taking chances but ultimately never being able to unlock the opposing team’s defense.
A big reason for the 0-0 regular time score was the team’s goalkeepers. Deric and Kronberg commanded their areas and stopped 10 shots total – Deric with 4 and Kronberg with 6 – including making some top-shelf saves.
Sporting Kansas City Designated Player Omar Bravo was dangerous early in the first half, creating two scoring chances for the away team, including a rocket from point-blank range that Deric handled well.
Bruin made an attempt to end the match at the end of regulation play with a curling left-footed shot that Kronberg saved high.
Sporting KC advance to host the winner of New England Revolution and D.C. United, with their match scheduled for April 26th.
