Alan Pulido’s late first half goal gave Sporting Kansas City a breath of life. Yet, three goals in 15 minutes were the deciding factor for Kansas City in the quarterfinal match at the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida, Thursday evening against Philadelphia Union. Being on the short end of the flurry meant a fight for the Vegas-chosen favorites.
In four matches at the restart tournament, Sporting Kansas City had neither been an offensive juggernaut, nor a defensive rock. Their goals-scored to goals-allowed ratio coming into the quarterfinal match against the Union was 6-4.