KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin addressed the team's defensive struggles following their recent loss to LA. Zavagnin noted that while the team started well, conceding an early goal from a corner kick set a negative tone for the match. "Again, right out of the gate, we started the game fine. We got a few corner kicks. We were in their end very, very quickly to start the game. Unfortunately, we give up an easy ball at midfield which leads to a corner kick and once again the game starts before five minutes off of a corner kick with another set piece that we give up and that already started pointing us in the direction of setting the game up and certainly lacking confidence moving forward in the game," Zavagnin said.

He acknowledged some positive moments but highlighted defensive issues as a recurring problem this season. "But again with the third goal three minutes before halftime, we weren't able to see out the half. And certainly when you come in 3-1 at halftime after having so many promising ideas in the attack, but giving up way too much defensively, I think that led to our downfall," he added.

Zavagnin discussed lapses in concentration both early and late in the first half: "I think when you look at the concentration and the discipline of the group to play every roll of the ball and to start the game on the front foot... only to give up a very easy play that results in a goal for them. I think that's happened too many times this year."

When asked about Shapi Suleymanov's red card, Zavagnin stated he did not receive a clear explanation during or after the match: "I had asked for it. I was unable to see the replay. I had asked on the sideline if it was a reviewed play and they said yes. I still couldn't get quite the explanation of why he was thrown out, but I really didn't dig that far into it."

Regarding defending against crosses and passes into dangerous areas, Zavagnin noted ongoing challenges: "Unfortunately, no matter what formation we're putting in... it doesn't seem to be working... We're going to try to get better at that. We've tried to get better at that all year, but unfortunately it's one of the big issues within our team."

He also commented on Stephen Afrifa's performance: "I think he had moments where he was dangerous... there were some good moments from him tonight and certainly something to build on."

Sporting KC forward Mason Toye reflected on missed opportunities: "I think all in all, it just wasn't our night. Everything was just a little bit off... We were able to create some chances in the game." He praised teammate Dejan Joveljic's contribution: "It's a pleasure playing with him. As I always say, he's one of the best strikers in MLS and he shows it every week... I'm ecstatic for him."

The result continues Sporting Kansas City's pattern this season of struggling defensively despite creating attacking chances.