One healthy player is all Sporting Kansas City needed to defeat the Sounders.
Midfielder Johnny Russell has been one of two mainstays in the SKC lineup this season as the team has been riddled with injuries. For the match against Seattle at its Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday, SKC had 10 players out due to injuries and its leading goal scorer serving a one-game suspension.
It didn’t matter, even against a healthier and more rested Sounders.
Russell carved up Seattle’s defense for a hat trick in Sporting KC’s eventual 3-2 win. It’s Russell’s second hat trick in his two MLS seasons.