D.C. United conceded an early goal off a deflection that put them on the back heel to start their match against Kansas City, and though they pushed hard to find a late-game equalizer, the Black-and-Red ultimately fell to Sporting 1-0 Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
United were helped by four important saves from goalkeeper David Ousted, but they could not overcome the early deficit and were shutout for the first time in 2018.
Sporting struck first early in the first half when a shot from Felipe Gutiérrez in the third minute deflected off of defender Frédéric Brillant and into the net to give Kansas City the 1-0 lead. Sporting held the run of play for most of the first half following the goal, firing 11 shots on the United end. Ousted turned away three of the four shots that were on target.
Yamil Asad had the best chance for United in the 33rd minute when he dribbled into the penalty area and fired a shot toward the top left corner that forced Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia to dive and make a save.
United came out on the attack in the second half, forcing Melia to work again when a rush into the penalty area led to a shot from Luciano Acosta at close range. Acosta threatened again in the 50th minute when an attempted clearance found him at the top of the box in a prime position, but he misfired high.
While the Black-and-Red continued to threaten through the second half, they could not find the equalizer.
Following a bye week next weekend due to the rescheduled match against Toronto FC, United will return to the DMV looking for revenge against Columbus Crew SC at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, for their final Home Away from Home match.
