MLS Sporting Kansas City

Sporting KC Claims 3-0 Win in Champions League

Published on September 23, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


Sporting Kansas City holds a three-point lead in Group 2 of the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League after a 3-0 victory over Real Esteli on Tuesday at Sporting Park. Claudio Bieler scored twice and Sal Zizzo added the third for his first goal in a Sporting KC uniform, while Eric Kronberg earned a clean sheet in his return from injury.

Bieler opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a first-time finish from the top of the six-yard box on an assist from Seth Sinovic. The Argentine forward nearly added another goal in the game's 26th minute but couldn't fully connect and then saw his free kick saved by Justo Lorente in the 43rd minute.

Bieler bagged his brace in the 70th minute, earning a penalty kick on a foul by Real Esteli captain Elmer Mejia and then converting the ensuing attempt with a well-taken shot to the goalkeeper's left. The Designated Player now has three goals in his past three appearances and 16 goals in all competition since joining Sporting KC prior to the 2013 season.

Nine minutes later, Sporting Kansas City capitalized on a corner kick from Antonio Dovale to stretch the lead to 3-0 against the Nicaraguan champions. Zizzo, a halftime substitute, was first to the delivery and flicked his header inside the far post.

Thanks to the second half goals, Sporting KC supporters can receive a buy one, get one snack size wings coupon to be redeemed at area Buffalo Wild Wings locations by texting BWWSKC to 72727. Additionally, Sporting Kansas City supporters can take advantage of 44-cent Monster Tacos at area Jack in the Box locations on Wednesday as a result of the team's four shots on goal.

Both goalkeepers made three saves on the night for their respective sides. Lorente was called into action in the 28th minute as he raced off his line to challenge Graham Zusi, whose chip was lofted just wide of the target.

The Nicaraguan's best save of the match came in the 89th minute to deny Bieler a hat trick. Dovale provided the pass for Bieler, who shielded off his mark and forced a strong stop by Lorente before sending the follow-up effort into the side netting. Five minutes later, Lorente reacted quickly to smother Sinovic's clever flick that re-directed a shot from Jorge Claros in the game's final minute.

Kronberg, the third different Sporting KC goalkeeper to start the team's three CONCACAF Champions League matches, made his first appearance since July 6 after recovering from a fractured bone in his left hand. His first save on Tuesday came in the eighth minute to keep Elvis Figueroa off the scoresheet, followed by an alert stop on Samuel Wilson's free kick from 25 yards out in the 19th minute.

Real Esteli, who were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League with their second straight 3-0 defeat, failed to convert on two other scoring opportunities in the first half. Juan Barrera struck his shot narrowly wide from outside the penalty area in the 36th minute and Daniel Da Silva's curling effort sailed just beyond the far post on the cusp of halftime.

As part of the club's Shutout for Slices promotion with Papa John's, all Sporting KC fans can receive 50% off any regular price online order at local participating Papa John's retailers over the next two days by entering the code 'SPORTINGKC' online at PapaJohns.com.

Sporting KC's final match of the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League group stage will come Oct. 23 at Deportivo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica and will determine which of the two teams secures a berth in the quarterfinal round. The decisive fixture will air nationally on FOX Soccer Plus (English) and Univision Deportes Network (Spanish) in the United States.

Sporting Kansas City will advance with a draw or victory, and can also move on to the knockout round with a one-goal loss or a two-goal loss so long as Sporting KC scores two or more goals. Saprissa would advance in the following scenarios: via a 2-0 victory or with a three-goal or greater margin of victory. A 3-1 victory by Saprissa would leave the teams deadlocked on every tiebreaker and would result in a drawing of the lots to determine the group winner.

FAST FACTS Sporting KC defeated Nicaraguan side Real Esteli FC 3-0 on Tuesday night at Sporting Park. The home side moved into first place in Group 2 standings with a 2-0-1 record (7 points). The match was the second of back-to-back home matches for Sporting KC in CONCACAF Champions League group stage play. Sporting KC defeated Saprissa 3-1 on Thursday with goals from Dom Dwyer and Antonio Dovale (2). The first 10,000 fans that arrived at Tuesday's match received a limited edition Dom Dwyer poster courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. Claudio Bieler scored a brace on Tuesday, his first two-goal performance since May 5th, 2013 in a 4-0 victory over Chivas USA at Sporting Park.

Bieler opened the scoring for Sporting KC in the 13th minute, marking the second consecutive match that Sporting KC scored in the 13th minute. Bieler's first goal was assisted by Seth Sinovic. Bieler's second goal was scored in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. Two goals for Bieler on Tuesday moves the Argentine striker into a tie for fourth place on Sporting KC's all-time chart for goals scored in international matches. Sal Zizzo made it 3-0 for Sporting KC, heading home a corner kick from Antonio Dovale. Dovale has contributed a goal or an assist in all three CONCACAF Champions League matches this year. Jimmy Medranda made his first competitive appearance since May 31 on Tuesday. With the start, Matt Besler moved into a tie for fifth place with Tony Meola on Sporting KC's all-time chart for games started in international competition with 10. Seth Sinovic and Graham Zusi moved into a tie for ninth place with Manager Peter Vermes on Sporting KC's all-time chart for games started in international competition with eight. Prior to Thursday's 3-1 win over Saprissa, Sporting KC had scored three goals in a competitive international match only once in 24 all-time matches (2001 Copa Merconorte). The team has now scored three goals in back-to-back games. Sporting KC is 9-9-8 all-time in international competition. Sporting KC is 5-3-6 all-time at home in international competition. Sporting KC is 2-0-2 against Real Esteli all-time. Sporting KC met Real Esteli in the 2013-14 CCL group stage. Sporting KC earned a 2-0 victory in Nicaragua and a 1-1 draw at Sporting Park. Sporting KC is 8-4-5 in the CCL. Sporting KC has scored 33 goals all-time in international competition and 16 goals at home. Sporting KC is the only team from MLS making its second straight appearance in the tournament. Sporting KC has conceded just two goals in five CCL matches at Sporting Park. Since 2001, Sporting KC has lost just one of 11 competitive international matches at home and has secured seven clean sheets. Sporting KC's final group stage match is against Deportivo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica on Oct. 23. Graham Zusi will not be available for selection by Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes for the final group stage match next month as he serves his mandatory one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation.

QUOTES

Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes

On Sporting KC's last two performances in CCL play...

I actually don't think that we played the pace we wanted to play at in the first half. Still, we didn't really give much away and we scored one goal. We could have scored another, at least. Playing down in Nicaragua was not easy for us, so I think we've managed the group well. But business isn't done yet; we've just put ourselves in a good position. We've got to make sure when we go down [to Saprissa] we're ready to play because it's going to be an interesting atmosphere for sure.

On the eight yellow cards given in the match...

You know what's sad is that Graham Zusi, if not the best, he's one of the best players on the field in these games. And it absolutely frustrates me to no end to think that he gets a yellow card. He's gotten two now, there in Nicaragua and here. They come through on our guys and they don't get yellows. It's amazing to me the lack of respect (Zusi) gets in CONCACAF, especially with the presence that he and Matt (Besler) have had with the National Team. He gets fouled from behind, he keeps trying to play, so the referee doesn't make the call. But he gives him a yellow card for stepping in on a guy diving. It's not right, and that's the kind of stuff that has to change.

On Eric Kronberg's clean sheet...

It was good for him; it was good for everybody. Obviously we've had a tremendous amount of injuries throughout the season, and it's good that we're getting a bunch of these guys back towards the end to make the big push. And more importantly, we're they're getting games under their belt to get back into rhythm with the group.

On Claudio Bieler's to less playing time this season...

He comes to training everyday, he doesn't mess around, he works hard, and he's been very professional about taking his opportunities when they come. He's a total team guy and I'm happy he got the two goals tonight. He's actually on really great form, playing very well any time he's come on. He was an important part of the team in last year's success, and we're going to need him again some point this year as well.

Sporting KC defender Matt Besler

On the physicality of a match in which there were eight total yellow cards...

Going into the game, we talked about not trying to focus on the referee, but certainly at some point when you're trying to manage the game, you do. Personally, I was on a card. So it's definitely in the back of your mind. You have to be smart about the plays you step into. And there at the end when we're up 3-0, you're just making sure guys don't do anything stupid. You're making sure that guys on yellows don't commit more fouls, because you never know what can happen.

On goalkeeper Eric Kronberg's return to the starting lineup...

I think he's going to help our team. I think this year has proven we have three goalkeepers that can play in MLS, so we have no drop off on this team. Kronberg is a guy that gives us a lot of confidence back there with his presence and ability to come out on crosses. Any ball that is floated into the box is his, and that really helps us out as a backline.

Sporting KC midfielder Graham Zusi

On Sporting KC's 3-0 win over Real Esteli...

It as good that we got the early goal, but I thought the first half was a bit sluggish at times. I thought our pressure was a bit late, but to our credit, we didn't give much away. I thought in the second half we did a much better job anticipating their actions, pressing them higher up the field and really not giving them anything. Our high work rate made them tired, and I think they died out in the second half. And that's when we punished them with a couple more goals. The second half was better-the second straight game we had three goals. It's a good sign that we're getting on the score sheet. Now we control our destiny going into the final game [against Saprissa on Oct. 23].

On the physicality of a match in which there were eight total yellow cards...

These CONCACAF games are naturally a bit more physical because the implications of each game are so high. There are only a couple games in each group and it's kind of an all-or-nothing situation. So teams are going to go out there and give everything they can, and that's why these games are little more physical.

On Sporting KC's improved form over the last three games...

To be honest, our improvement started back in the New York game [on Sept. 6]. Although that result didn't turn out in our favor, I think we got back to who we are. Against Chivas, it kind of all came together. And it's going back to the basics-we're a team that prides ourselves on outworking the other team and putting them under an enormous amount of pressure. In the past three games, we've gotten back to that.

On Sporting KC's upcoming MLS match against New England on Friday...

The first matchup against them [in April] we played well but were a bit unlucky. The second game was part of that skid that we were in, and that just wasn't us. They're a team who goes on streaks of their own, and right now they're on a good one. I expect them to come in and try to play with us as much as possible. We're coming down to the final stretch of our season and each game has postseason implications. So we need to get a good result.

Sporting KC goalkeeper Eric Kronberg

On playing his first game since July 6 due to injury...

I felt good-very comfortable. The team played really well in front of me, and my decision-making was good when I was forced into action. I felt really sharp.

It was a strong all-around performance from everyone. We improved as the game went on. They're not an easy opponent-we know them, but they know us. I thought they exploited some of our weaknesses in the first half, but we came out in the second half and really took it to them. Our last game when we played down in Nicaragua on their turf field was tough, especially with their crowd down there. So I'm just glad we got the win tonight.

On the physicality of the match...

All these CCL matches are very competitive. Especially for a Nicaraguan team, this is a very important game for them. It's important for us, too. All these games are competitive and physical. I think we went toe-to-toe with them tonight, and the referee was calling a lot of fouls. But for the most part, I thought it was pretty even.

On Sporting KC's improved performances over the last three games...

It's all about regaining confidence and good form. Sometimes you can falter a little bit, so we had to kind of rediscover what we're all about. And now we're getting results. Part of it's just getting guys back healthy. (Paulo) Nagamura's back in the lineup. We just have to go out there and not question who we are. Peter (Vermes) has kept harping on us to "work hard, work hard, work hard." And we'll do that for the stretch run of the season.

Real Esteli FC Manager Otoniel Olivas

Thoughts on his team's performance...

It actually comes to the mentality of the game. We always want to get the results whether we're away or home. We had a couple of mistakes there that led us to the way we were playing; we actually thought we were playing good soccer, but it comes to the mentality of that result, we were looking for those points.

On the challenge of CONCACAF Champions League...

We can't disregard the level of play we've been participating in all these years. Obviously we would like to continue in this tournament and keep growing in this tournament but we have to go back and look at the errors that really cost us this game. And we're in the process of learning and growing and we would like to continue to expand that and keep working into actually making in into the next round next time.

Real Esteli FC midfielder Manuel Rosas

On Tuesday's match and the team's run in CCL...

Obviously when a team comes out instinctively from the gate with the pressure, the defensive line was great, they did pressure. They obviously were playing at home so that creates an added pressure for them and for us. But like coach mentioned we did have a couple of good games, good attack games. A couple of errors that lead to this result but overall I believe that once they have a team that comes out attacking and pressuring that leads to the result today.

Check out the Sporting Kansas City Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from September 23, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central