Forward Erik Hurtado struck in the 88th minute as Sporting Kansas City (9-11-7, 34 points) claimed an invaluable 1-0 victory over Minnesota United FC (12-9-6, 42 points) on Thursday night at Children’s Mercy Park. The hard-earned result vaults Sporting within three points of playoff positioning in the Western Conference, giving the side palpable momentum entering the final seven-game stretch of the regular season.
In a tightly contested match that saw Sporting unleash 22 shot attempts and force Minnesota goalkeeper Vito Mannone into five saves, Hurtado provided the all-important breakthrough after racing onto a delectable Johnny Russell through ball and slotting home from a tight angle.