With their backs against the wall amidst an ever-intensifying playoff chase, Sporting Kansas City delivered yet again on Saturday night. Johnny Russell’s 12th-minute header off a feed from center back Graham Smith stood as the lone goal in a hard-earned 1-0 victory over rivals Houston Dynamo.
With fellow postseason contenders San Jose Earthquakes, FC Dallas and Portland Timbers all securing wins Saturday, it was imperative that Manager Peter Vermes’ men claimed three points of their own to keep within striking distance if the seventh and final playoff spot in the remarkably crowded Western Conference standings. Consider that mission accomplished as Sporting concluded a perfect homestand before a sellout crowd at Children’s Mercy Park.