It wasn’t simply that the shot was well-placed — both low and near his feet — and hit with just enough power to trouble. There was also Krisztian Nemeth on his doorstep, ready to scoop up any rebound and give visiting Sporting KC the lead.
John McCarthy had few good options, so he got creative. Following the path of the ball as it bounced on the turf in front of him, McCarthy looped his arm behind and scooped the ball into the air, propelling it wide and behind the far post. Nemeth, anticipating his follow-up finish, put his hands on his head.