KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Graham Zusi ran onto the pass, drew back his right foot and smashed the ball into the net. The moment was both triumphant punctuation to Sporting Kansas City's sixth straight postseason qualification, and a reminder that while his numbers might not be what they used to be, Sporting's veteran winger remains a force to be accounted for.
Injuries and international absence have limited Zusi to 21 appearances with 18 starts this season – his lowest numbers in both categories since 2010, his sophomore season with the then-Wizards. His four assists are also the fewest since then, and Sunday's goal – an 88th-minute insurance strike in a 2-0 victory over San Jose, sealing Sporting's spot in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs – was only his second of the season.