Sporting Kansas City (11-6-3, 36 points) clinched a berth in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs following a 1-0 road win over FC Cincinnati (4-13-4, 16 points) on Wednesday night at Nippert Stadium.
The result guarantees Sporting Kansas City a top-eight finish in the Western Conference and vaults the club back into first place with two scheduled matches remaining in the regular season.
Second-half substitute Roger Espinoza scored the match-winner in the 57th minute on an assist from forward Alan Pulido. Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia posted his second straight shutout and moved into sole possession of first place on Kansas City’s all-time regular season saves chart, passing club legend Tony Meola.