While not exactly the result they were looking for, the Loons were hoping Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with LAFC would be the key to getting their regular season back on track, putting the brakes on a recent three-game skid and building some momentum for the final games of the regular season and run-up to the playoffs. And, with the Western Conference playoffs seedings yet to be set and home-field advantage still a possibility, the boys needed to keep trending back upwards on a season that has had its share of twists and turns. Unfortunately, Saturday night in Kansas City, that road to the playoffs got a whole lot bumpier, as Sporting overwhelmed the Loons with a deflating 4-1 loss.
Deflating in the sense that even in a second half that saw some signs of life with a Ménder GarcÃa karate kick goal in the 57th minute, Sporting’s attack showed the kind of speed that would dog the Loons all evening. KC was able to turn quick runs into problems for Minnesota’s banged-up backline, with Brent Kallman playing through a sprained ankle and Kemar Lawrence nursing a hamstring injury.
