The U.S. national team goalkeeper saw red, but it was Sporting KC's Tim Melia who delivered the heroics at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday
Wednesday's battles of Major League Soccer's conference leaders began as you might expect. Atlanta United's relentless attack was going toe-to-toe with Sporting KC's stingy defense and, early on, it was Atlanta that looked poised to take control and overwhelm SKC's defense.
Everything changed in the time it took Brad Guzan to wipe out Khiry Shelton with a sliding challenge outside of the penalty area. The ensuing red card was the easiest decision referee Mark Geiger had to make all night, and transferred the momentum to the visitors from Kansas City, who never gave it back.