Kansas City, Kan. – LAFC took down Sporting KC for the second time this season, this time a 5-1 win on the road. The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story, as it could very well have gone the other way if not for the strong performance of Pablo Sisniega, who made five saves including a penalty kick from Daniel Salloi.
Pablo Sisniega, LAFC Beat Sporting 5-1
As has been the case with most LAFC and Sporting KC matchups throughout time, it was a physical affair with plenty of yellows handed out. But unlike the others, this one was a comprehensive victory for one side. LAFC picked up their second win against Sporting KC ever, and in the 2019 season, thanks to a clinic on counterattacks.
They conceded most of the possession to Sporting KC, picking their times to get forward. When Sporting KC was able to create a chance, Pablo Sisniega -who has been standing in for Tyler Miller while he’s on Gold Cup Duty; was up to the task.
LAFC went in front in the 28th minute as Carlos Vela was fouled, resulting in a free kick. Christian Ramirez’s cheeky attempt went under the wall and was sent home to make it 1-0.
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Sporting had numerous chances, but Sisniega was equal to all, his most notable a point-blank stop on Nemeth along with a saved Penalty Kick in the second half. After that Sporting, got the score to 3-1, but LAFC pushed it up to 5-1 after a few counter attacks in the dying minutes.
Three Things
- Sporting KC’s hole has been dug, and it’s starting to get really, really deep. They sit bottom of the west, but five points out of a playoff spot. If they drop all three points at home on Saturday, they’re really going to be in trouble.
- Despite their current predicament, the scoreline wasn’t quite indicative of the game. Sporting KC was the “protagonist” if you will for most of the match. They had more possession, took more shots, etc, and ACTUALLY WON THE xG battle. But ultimately, they didn’t measure up to snuff when it came to finishing their chances and LAFC did. It also didn’t help that Sisniega absolutely stood on his head for most of the match.
- LAFC wasn’t dominant, they weren’t even remotely great for any stretch of the match, they were just clinical. It’s what happens when you have the firepower they do. You don’t need to be the dominant team every time out, you just have to take advantage of the moments the game hands to you. That’s what LAFC did in their goalscoring clinic.
