The first sign of distress arrived a couple of weeks ago, Sporting Kansas City falling out of the form that propelled it to the top of the Western Conference. There was conviction within the team that a midseason reset could be beneficial in the long run, that it could serve as a reminder of the concentration required for a full MLS season.
But in the way of lessons, this one will last a bit longer.
Sporting KC settled for a 2-2 draw Saturday with a sliding Toronto FC club after relinquishing a second-half lead on its home field.