Sporting Kansas City may have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Independiente in Wednesday’s first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals, but that all-important away goal—provided at the penalty spot by Ilie Sanchez in the 51st minute—gives Manager Peter Vermes’ men plenty of life heading into next Thursday’s decisive second leg at Children’s Mercy Park.
In fact, a comprehensive look at the club’s all-time performances in two-legged series—both in Concacaf tournaments and in the MLS Cup Playoffs—suggests Sporting will like their chances of overcoming the 2-1 deficit to reach the Champions League Semifinals for the first time ever.