Saturday night's 2-0 home defeat to FC Dallas left a taste of disappointment for Sporting Kansas City players and fans alike, but the spectacle did see a pivotal midfield contributor return to action.
After overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him for three months, grizzled MLS veteran Roger Espinoza entered in the 65th minute and provided a heavy dose of energy as Sporting sought to reduce their 2-0 deficit.
Espinoza's recovery comes at a timely juncture for Sporting, who now sit five points below the playoff line with 13 MLS regular season matches still to play between now and Decision Day on Oct.