On a night when Sporting Kansas City desperately needed three points, an explosive encounter at Children's Mercy Park yielded exactly that as Benny Feilhaber and Graham Smith scored second-half goals to secure a vital 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Chris Wondolowski had nodded the Earthquakes into a 1-0 halftime lead, but Sporting responded admirably after the break to claim the comeback win and move within six points of the seventh and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Saturday's battle packed a palpable intensity—sparked by end-to-end action, hard-hitting duels and an electric Children's Mercy Park atmosphere that undoubtedly helped the hosts across the finish line.