The final twist in Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate with Vancouver Whitecaps FC was gut-wrenching for Sporting Kansas City players, coaches and fans alike.
A 94th-minute equalizer from Derek Cornelius saw the Whitecaps snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat and left the hosts—who dominated for extended periods throughout the night—with a bitter taste in their mouths.
When Peter Vermes was asked to reflect on the spectacle immediately afterward, however, the veteran manager was extremely complimentary of his team.
“Our guys played really well and fought really hard,” Vermes said. “They played a man down for almost a whole 45 minutes.