MLS Sporting Kansas City

Sporting KC Splits Points with Chicago in 1-1 Draw

July 6, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


Sporting Kansas City reached the half-way point of the 2014 MLS season on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire at Sporting Park. In front of the team's largest crowd of the season and 45th straight MLS sellout, forward Dom Dwyer scored his 12th goal of the season before Mike Magee equalized for Chicago seven minutes later to split the points.

With the draw, Sporting Kansas City sits two points back of D.C. United for first place in the Eastern Conference after 17 of 34 regular season matches. Prior to Sunday's nationally televised match on ESPN, Sporting Kansas City welcomed back Matt Besler and Graham Zusi following their participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. Men's National Team.

The visiting Fire nearly took an early lead when Magee intercepted a pass from Kevin Ellis inside Chicago's attacking third less than 90 seconds into the match. Sporting KC goalkeeper Eric Kronberg came off his line and stood his ground while Aurelien Collin recovered to clear the shot inside the six-yard box.

Chicago saw another shot cleared in front of the goalline in the 5th minute as Patrick Ianni's header off a Harrison Shipp corner kick was turned away alertly by Dwyer.

Sporting Kansas City's first serious foray forward came in the 12th minute as Benny Feilhaber shrugged off a challenge from Logan Pause and picked out Soony Saad in the central channel. Saad struck his shot first time from 22 yards out, forcing Sean Johnson into a low save to his left.

Ten minutes later, Saad collected a poor clearance from Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and fed Dwyer to set up an acrobatic scissors attempt that was saved by Johnson at the near post. Dwyer led all players on Sunday with five shots and three shots on goal.

Magee, a 21 goal scorer in 2013, threatened again in the 31st minute on Sunday. Receiving a ball behind the Sporting KC backline from Homegrown Player Chris Ritter, Magee struck a left-footed shot that deflected off the far post and back into play.

Dwyer then struck for the game's opening goal on the opposite end of the field, dispossessing Ianni and calmly slotting his shot past Johnson for his 12th goal of the season before capturing a celebratory selfie along with Soony Saad and South Stand supporters. The third-year pro moves into a tie with Erick Torres for the second most goals scored in MLS this season and now ranks third on the club's all-time single-season goals scored chart.

All Sporting Kansas City fans can capitalize on the first-half goal through BurgerFi's text to win promotion. Text 'Sporting 1' to 72727 and receive one burger of equal or lesser value with any burger purchased at their Leawood location in the 48 hours following Sunday's match.

The lead would be short-lived as Chicago pulled level in the 40th minute through Magee. Fire midfielder Alex forced a turnover to earn the assist and Magee buried his shot from the top of the penalty area for his fifth of the season.

The second half was controlled by Sporting Kansas City, to the tune of an 11-2 edge in shots and 79-21 percent advantage in possession, though neither side could find the coveted game-winning goal. The Fire's only two shots of the half came in the 57th minute with Dilly Duka's shot stopped on the goalline by Collin and Shipp sending his shot just wide of the post from 20 yards out.

Graham Zusi, in his first match back from representing the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, entered the match in the 62nd minute and immediately made an impact with a corner kick headed on frame by Dwyer and saved by Johnson.

Just over 10 minutes later, Zusi switched fields and found Igor Juliao along the right flank. The Brazilian right back played a pass into the path of Jacob Peterson, who fired a first-time shot toward the near post that was pushed over the endline by Johnson.

The Chicago goalkeeper made a season-high eight saves on Sunday, including two in short succession in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to preserve the draw. Johnson dove full extension to his right to deny Peterson's effort from outside the area and then did just enough to thwart C.J. Sapong from burying the rebound.

Sporting KC will now enter a stretch with three of their next four MLS matches away from home, beginning Saturday at the Montreal Impact. Johnny's Tavern locations in the KC Power & Light District (1310 Grand Blvd.) and Shawnee (13410 W. 62nd Terr.) will host the team's official watch parties, featuring select Boulevard draft specials.

FAST FACTS

Sporting Kansas City tied the Chicago Fire 1-1 on Sunday at Sporting Park. With the draw, Sporting KC remains in second place in the Eastern Conference (7-5-5, 26 points). The Chicago Fire (2-4-10, 16 points) are ninth in the Eastern Conference and have not won since May 18 when they beat Sporting KC at Toyota Park. The Fire has only one loss in the club's last seven matches in all competition. Sporting KC is 12-25-11 against the Fire all-time and 8-8-9 at home in the all-time series. Sporting KC is 236-221-121 all-time and 153-81-55 all-time at home. Sporting KC is 2-2-1 in day games this season and undefeated when scoring first in a match in 2014 (7-0-4). Sporting KC is 2-3-4 when tied at halftime. Benny Feilhaber returned to the starting lineup for Sporting KC after missing the last match with a shoulder injury that he suffered in Sporting KC's 2-0 road victory over the Houston Dynamo last month. Sporting KC's Dom Dwyer opened the scoring on Sunday with his 33rd minute-finish. The goal is Dwyer's 12th of the season, ranking him tied for second in MLS for most goals scored in 2014 with Chivas USA forward Erick Torres. With Dwyer's goal on Sunday, Sporting KC is now tied with Colorado and Seattle for most left-footed goals in 2014 with 12. Mike Magee's equalizer in the 40th minute ended a shutout streak of 281 minutes for Sporting Kansas City and goalkeeper Eric Kronberg. Despite conceding a goal on Sunday, Kronberg still leads all goalkeepers in shutouts (7) and goals against average (0.88). Sporting KC has featured 17 different starting lineups through all 17 matches this MLS season. Winger Graham Zusi and defender Matt Besler have returned to Kansas City from their participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Zusi dressed for the match and entered the contest as a second half substitute in the 62nd minute. Besler did not dress on Sunday.

Aurelien Collin made his 100th MLS start on Sunday (including postseason). Feilhaber led all players with five chances created. Kevin Ellis led all players with 77 passes and had a 92.21% passing accuracy. Zusi led all players with a 95.24% passing accuracy, completing 20/21 passes. Jacob Peterson along with Chicago's Alex and Chris Ritter led all players with seven duels won. Sporting KC ranks first in MLS with 39 chances created from set plays. Sporting KC is first in the League for average possession (57.35%) and third in passing accuracy (81.43%). Sporting KC leads all MLS teams in possession at home with 60.35%. Sporting KC is second in the League for fewest shots conceded this year with 155 and third in the League for fewest shots on goal allowed with 58. Sunday's match was nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, marking the second time Sporting KC has been televised on ESPN this season. Both matches ended in a draw. Sporting Park welcomed 20,858 fans on Sunday, the largest crowd of 2014 and the 45th straight MLS sellout. Sporting KC is on the road for three of the club's next four League matches. Sporting KC faces the Montreal Impact at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, July 12 at Stade Saputo. QUOTES

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes

On Sporting KC's 1-1 draw against Chicago...

Look, we obviously gave a goal away. And they had one other chance besides that. We lost a ball, a very easy ball right at the beginning of the final third. We lose the ball and we're a little stretched out and they get an easy tap-in at the end of the day. So we give that up, then obviously we drove the game, in and around their box quite a bit. I like to think that in the second half we made some really, really good opportunities at goal. We had some really good chances (where) we should have scored a second goal, no doubt in my mind. We just didn't have enough people in the box. I do think that these games, when you play at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in this kind of weather...it makes for a tough game for both teams. And I think it changes the way the game is played. Its not an excuse...My point is that when you play these games at night in the summertime, they have a different feel for both teams-and they should from their entertainment value. But again, we had enough chances around the goal, and we should have scored a second goal.

On using Graham Zusi as a substitute but keeping Matt Besler out of the squad...

Zusi felt good to go in and play, and Matt felt he needed a couple more days (to rest). Really simple.

On Chicago's first half pressure leading to their equalizing goal...

I don't know if they really pressured high up the field. I don't think they really did. But I thought what really happened was that as we were building out, I don think we were moving the ball quick enough. So it allowed them to just hold their ground. We didn't expect anything different. I don't think they were high up the field to be honest with you. I just think that our circulation with the ball in the first half was very slow, and I think the second half was much better. And I also thought that they tried to isolate a couple of our guys with the ball. We made adjustments in the second half and that changed everything.

Sporting KC midfielder Benny Feilhaber

On returning from a shoulder injury to play his first game in a month...

I felt pretty good for the most part, but got tired there at the end. It was obviously a tough environment to play in-really hot and humid today. We did some good things and almost got the second goal a couple times in the second half. I thought our second half performance was a lot more composed. We had the ball a lot in their end. Whenever we lost the ball, our transition was good, and we created some decent opportunities. It's always going to be tough when they put 10 guys behind the ball. Overall, it was a decent game. I just need to keep building endurance game-by-game.

On splitting the points with a defensive Chicago Fire...

It's important to get points throughout the season, so a draw is okay. At the end of the year, every single point is going to count, whether you're getting them home or away. It's tough not getting three points at home, but we'll take this result and focus on next week in Montreal.

On how Sporting KC's great fan support makes it tough on Matt Besler and Graham Zusi to decide whether to pursue a move to Europe or stay in MLS...

There's no doubt that everyone (on our team) wants to be here, or else Peter (Vermes) wouldn't keep them here. And it's easy to see why we want to stay here. I've only been in Kansas City for a year and a half, but there's no place I'd rather be. The fans that are out there every single weekend, the way we play...our entire setup here is fantastic. It's a class organization. I'm sure Besler and Zusi both have some decisions to make regarding whether they leave or not, but it won't be an easy one. Sometimes opting to go elsewhere is something you have to do develop your football career, but it's never an easy decision when you're leaving a place you really love. They'll take their time with the decision, and if they decide to stay, we're going to be thankful.

Sporting KC forward Dom Dwyer

On his showy goal celebration in the first half...

(The celebration) was set up. It was mentioned earlier today before the game, and it sounded like quite a cool idea. It was a good bit of fun, but I got a yellow (card) for it. I was lucky I didn't get another yellow, or else I would have been in big trouble.

On whether his first half yellow card changed the way he played the rest of the game...

It was on my mind after that, but it didn't change how I played. Obviously I wasn't going to go hard into a 50-50 (challenge), and luckily that opportunity didn't come.

On Sporting KC's 1-1 draw against Chicago...

I'd rather have three points, but it's nice to get on the score sheet. I was more excited that I cleared one off the line, to be honest. I really wanted to keep a clean sheet today and was gutted when we allowed one. I thought we defended well throughout the whole game, so I'm a little disappointed there.

On scoring his 12th goal of the season...

I just stayed calm. I remember the defender got a bad ball and he didn't take the best touch. He kind of panicked because I was coming at him quick. He kind of stumbled over the ball and I nicked it from him. I was going to shoot across the keeper's body, but I saw (Sean Johnson) take a little step to the middle. So I hit it early and slid it past him. Normally you'd go around him, but he's a big goalie. I just saw a little gap and slid it in there.

On exchanging goals with defending MLS MVP Mike Magee...

I have huge respect for him. I think he's a fantastic player and a great guy, too. He's sent me messages of encouragement and givent me some good advice. He's a veteran, a very good player and a former MVP of the League. Obviously I'd like to follow in his footsteps. We're different players, but we both score goals. That's a good similarity to have.

On Sunday's playing conditions...

It was stupidly hot. A 2 p.m. game is not fun with that weather. I understand it's T.V. time, but those were very tough conditions. It was bad at the end there, I was cramping up. But that's part of football.

Chicago Fire manager Frank Yallop

On a 1-1 draw against Sporting KC...

First off, I thought we played well-an even game. I think we moved the ball well. It had been physical in the first 20 minutes of the match. We had a game plan to come in and try to do that and find little pockets and little holes and play in between the lines. I thought we did a great job, we just ran out of steam. We had a couple injuries. Alex was off at halftime, and Jhon (Kennedy Hurtado)'s got dizzy spells. So late in the game, when you want to make your subs make a difference, we couldn't do that. Credit to Kansas City, they really pushed and in the end could have won it, but I was proud of the way we hung in there. So we could win a few more games, but we can tie them for sure.

On the impact of the weather...

It's huge. The thing for me is that we don't quit...and we didn't. We kept going and tried to do the right things and moved the ball well. I thought Harry Ship was good today. He finds the pocket and finds good spaces. But in general, I thought we did OK. We have tied a lot of games and it's frustrating when that's probably one of the games that Kansas City probably deserved to win. But a lot of other times we pretty much were on the verge of winning the match. So it's a close thing for us right now. Today was a good fight and spirit, with injuries and with stuff that went on. To get a point here, as you guys know, it is very difficult.

Chicago Fire midfielder Logan Pause

On a 1-1 draw against Sporting KC...

This is a tough place to play against a good team with a great crowd. But at the end of the day, not many people can come here and get a draw out of it. It's a good point or us.

On using U.S. Open Cup results to build momentum...

We know we have a lot of work to do, but I think we've gotten some good results in the Open Cup that have given us a little momentum and a push. So we are excited to keep that going.

On Mike Magee's goal...

When Mike [Magee] gets in those types of situations, he is clinical. He does a fantastic job running off defenders shoulders. It was a fantastic job by Chris Ritter to put him in behind.

On preparing for another midweek game...

We are going to have some tired legs, so it will be up to the staff, but hopefully we can take some momentum into Wednesday. We have a big Cup game and then it's back to League play over the weekend.

Chicago Fire forward Harrison Shipp

On a 1-1 draw against Sporting KC...

It was hot. I think the first half we did a pretty good job defending and countering when they turned it over. In the second half, they were a little better on the ball. In the last 30 minutes they wore us down, running in the heat, and shuttling back and forth took its toll on us. It was tough for us to connect passes in the last 30 minutes.

On using Open Cup success to build momentum...

Any time you get a win, especially when we struggle to get wins in the League, it's imperative for us. It hasn't turned into a League victory today, but hopefully in the next couple weeks it will turn into a couple wins.

On a demanding July with MLS play and the U.S. Open Cup...

We have a busy month. We have a mid-week game and a weekend game almost every week. It's important to keep our bodies rested and fresh when we aren't playing.

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