Sporting Kansas City secured a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Friday, marking their first win at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park since March 2014. This result moves Sporting into 10th place in the Western Conference, three points shy of the playoff line with 13 games left in the season.
Dejan Joveljic scored early for Sporting KC, netting a goal in the fourth minute. “The Serbian striker has a goal or assist in seven straight appearances,” making it the longest such streak in MLS this season. With this goal, Joveljic now has 12 goals this season and is tied for third in the MLS Golden Boot race.
The Colorado Rapids responded with several scoring opportunities but were repeatedly denied by Sporting KC goalkeeper John Pulskamp. He was credited with eight saves during the match, matching his career-high and moving him to lead the league. A penalty was awarded to Colorado when Pulskamp fouled Djordje Mihailovic, but Mihailovic’s attempt hit the post.
Erik Thommy doubled Sporting KC’s lead in the second half with a well-placed strike after receiving a long ball from Pulskamp. “Pulskamp was credited with his second assist of the year,” making him “the first goalkeeper in club history with multiple assists in a single season.”
Colorado managed to score late through Rafael Navarro’s penalty conversion following a foul by Ian James inside the area. Despite this effort, Sporting held firm through stoppage time to end an 11-game winless run against Colorado.
