Down two World Cup veterans (Graham Zusi and Roger Espinoza) and last year’s scoring leader (Dom Dwyer) Sporting Kansas City put forth one of its more impressive performances of the season on Saturday. Peter Vermes’ side strengthened its hold on a Western Conference playoff spot with a 3-1 win over Toronto FC at BMO Field.
Three different players got on the scoresheet for Sporting KC with Benny Feilhaber and Krisztian Nemeth each tallying for the eighth time in League play this year. The Sporting KC defense also did its part to hold the high-powered Toronto FC attack at bay, holding MLS MVP candidate Sebastian Giovinco scoreless and limiting the home side to only one goal.
For their part in the victory, Feilhaber and defender Kevin Ellis were named to the MLS Team of the Week:
D: Kevin Ellis (Sporting Kansas City) – Facing an MVP frontrunner and a USMNT regular isn't an easy task, but Ellis made it look like it was in SKC's 3-1 win over Toronto.
M: Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City) – Delivered beautiful passes throughout SKC's win while adding a penalty kick goal and an assist to Krisztian Németh on the game-winner.
Feilhaber was instrumental in two of Sporting KC’s three goals. The veteran midfielder converted the penalty kick in the 22nd minute to give the visitors their first lead of the day and assisted on Nemeth’s game-winning strike in the 29th minute. Feilhaber has eight goals and a League-leading 12 assists on the year.
Ellis continued his strong run of form alongside MLS All-Star defender Matt Besler. The homegrown defender led all MLS defenders with 11 duels won last weekend to go along with his six recoveries and five tackles won. Ellis also earned the penalty kick that Feilhaber converted to give Sporting Kansas City the 1-0 lead.
In addition to MLSsoccer.com accolades, Feilhaber and Ellis both earned Team of the Week honors from Bleacher Report, while Feilhaber was named to the Team of the Week by SI.com and Goal.com.
Sporting Kansas City will next be in action on Wednesday against Real Salt Lake in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open semifinals. Tickets can be purchase at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL.
