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Sporting KC take recent success into match vs. LAFC

May 13, 2023; Kansas City, Kansas, USA;  Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell (7) makes a play on the ball in the first half against Minnesota United at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Finally back on a winning track, Sporting Kansas City will try to continue their streak in a tough road environment against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday night.

After scoring only three goals during a 10-game winless stretch (0-7-3) to begin the season, Kansas City has scored a total of five times in back-to-back victories. SKC’s last win was a 3-0 home shutout of Minnesota United on Saturday.

“In the first half, I think we played amazing,” said forward Daniel Salloi, who scored one of SKC’s two goals in the opening 22 minutes on Saturday. “I think we did really good things and were combining and we showed our true self or what we can do. …

“I think we’re getting the hang of it, of creating a lot more chances and scoring goals.”

Sporting KC (2-7-3, nine points) was dealt a blow when goalkeeper Tim Melia had to leave the game with a quadriceps injury. Melia was ruled out for Wednesday, meaning Kendall McIntosh or John Pulskamp will start in net.

Los Angeles (6-1-3, 21 points) is also coming off a 3-0 victory, winning at Real Salt Lake on Saturday. While pleased with the result, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo felt his team’s play was somewhat inconsistent.

“When we did move the ball and connect passes, we were dangerous,” Cherundolo said. “Looking for an improvement Wednesday night, that we can play over 90 minutes at that level, not just for maybe 65 or 70.”

Los Angeles FC is 4-0-0 at home this season and a dominant 54-9-20 at in regular-season home games at BMO Stadium over their five-plus MLS seasons. Sporting Kansas City owns a 2-3-0 all-time record in Los Angeles, making them the only MLS team with more than one regular-season road win over LAFC.

Los Angeles midfielder Kellyn Acosta will miss Wednesday’s game due to an undisclosed injury that he sustained on Saturday. He played just 19 minutes against Real Salt Lake.

LAFC striker Denis Bouanga is on a three-game scoring streak and has nine goals over 10 games this season.

–Field Level Media

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