Sporting Kansas City Clinches 1-1 Draw Against Seattle Sounders
Dejan Joveljic scored his fifth goal of the season as Sporting Kansas City secured a 1-1 draw against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday afternoon, putting an end to a six-match losing streak.
Joveljic’s tally in the 18th minute ended a 351-minute scoreless run across all competitions for Sporting (1-7-2, 5 points), which has managed just two wins in its last 23 MLS matches dating back to last July.
Paul Rothrock netted his fourth goal of the season early on, helping Seattle (6-1-2, 20 points) halt its three-match league winning streak while extending its unbeaten run in the league to seven games.
The visitors demonstrated dominance with 61% possession and outshot the hosts 27-11 but were penalized for an uncharacteristic error by Cristian Roldan, a hopeful for the American World Cup team.
Rothrock put Seattle ahead just two minutes into the match. Alex Roldan advanced up the right and sent an early diagonal ball from midfield toward Jesus Ferreira in the center. The ball was redirected by either Ferreira or his defender, allowing Rothrock to seize the opportunity on the left side of the penalty area. He expertly directed a first-time finish past goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland into the far-right corner.
Joveljic equalized 16 minutes later.
As Seattle attempted to play from the back under Kansas City’s pressure, Cristian Roldan mis-hit a backpass intended for his goalkeeper. Joveljic was quick to intercept at the top of the penalty arc and delivered a low, first-time finish that found its way through goalkeeper Andrew Thomas and crossed the line.
Both teams created chances to win after the break, despite Seattle’s commanding possession. Sounders striker Danny Musovski missed a promising header in the 57th minute, while substitute Paul Arriola saw his strike blocked by teammate Albert Rusnak from a dangerous position on the left in the 65th minute.
In the 70th minute, Cleveland rebounded from a bobble to make a double save against Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Musovski.
On the other side, Thomas denied Joveljic in the 82nd minute and also thwarted a difficult, spinning effort from Taylor Calheira in the 85th.