In the 25th minute, Sporting Kansas City’s Daniel Salloi cut back decisively deep on the left in Portland Timbers’ box. His subsequent shot was palmed wide of the back post by Timbers’ goalkeeper Steve Clark. It was a shot that most in attendance Wednesday evening at Children’s Mercy Park were sure would find the back of the net. Salloi would payback expectations later, snagging joy over full lament for the home team and the home fans.
The Western Conference clash came in the midst of a stretch of seven matches in 22 days, one that Sporting has navigated well, going 2-0-1 in MLS in thus far.