Just days after capturing the US Open Cup title over the Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City carried that momentum back into MLS play and earned three huge points on Saturday.
Graham Zusi and Teal Bunbury each got their names on the scoresheet as Kansas City defeated DC United, 2-1, at Livestrong Sporting Park to put KC back in first place in the Eastern Conference.
Despite playing all 120 minutes in Sporting's Open Cup Final win, Zusi delivered the assist to Bunbury as the striker opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Zusi's corner kick found Bunbury, whose powerful header put Kansas City up 1-0.
United answered quickly, however, when Andy Najar made a run down the right flank and set up rookie Nick DeLeon, who beat Jimmy Nielsen for the equalizer ten minutes later.
Zusi wasn't finished, though. He got on the end of a Kei Kamara cross in the 63rd minute and pounded home a winner after the cross got past Bunbury and dropped to Zusi. His goal gave KC the three points, which put them back atop the Eastern Conference after the New York Red Bulls had eclipsed them Friday. DC, meanwhile, lost an opportunity to close in on the top teams in the East.
Here are the match highlights:
What did you think of the match? Impressed with Sporting KC's ability to come back and win after a tough mid-week U.S. Open Cup Final? Wondering what is wrong with the D.C. United attack?
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