First Place Sporting KC Leads Supporters' Shield Race After 1-0 Win
Published on October 18, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
Sporting Kansas City regained first place in the Supporters' Shield race with a 1-0 win over D.C. United on Friday night at Sporting Park. Dom Dwyer scored the game's lone goal as Sporting KC moved two points clear of the New York Red Bulls and the Portland Timbers atop the MLS standings.
Friday's win, in front of a sold-out crowd, also secured one of the top two spots in the Eastern Conference and guaranteed the club home-field advantage in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Sporting KC has one game remaining in the regular season as they look to secure their first Supporters' Shield since 2000.
Dwyer's 7th-minute goal propelled Sporting KC to their League-best 16th win of the season. The play began when Sporting KC midfielder Peterson Joseph forced Perry Kitchen into a harried back pass to goalkeeper Bill Hamid. Dwyer intercepted the ball, took one touch around Hamid and placed the ball calmly into the net. The goal was Dwyer's second in MLS play this season and first since August 3.
Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen made one save on the night en route to his League-leading 13th shutout of the season. In the 15th minute, Nielsen found himself one-on-one with D.C. United midfielder Jared Jeffrey. Nielsen held his ground and forced the U.S. youth international to shoot the ball into his midsection.
Friday's announced crowd of 18,932 was the 33rd consecutive sellout for an MLS match at Sporting Park. Sporting KC has now sold out all 17 regular season home matches in 2013.
Sporting KC will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Honduran club CD Olimpia in their final 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League group stage match. With a win or a draw, Sporting KC will advance out of their group to the quarterfinal round. Sporting KC will conclude the MLS regular season on Saturday, Oct. 26 with a road match against the Philadelphia Union.
Major League Soccer Stories from October 18, 2013
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