Sporting Kansas City earned a 3-2 aggregate victory over Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, prevailing over the course of two 75-minute scrimmages at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Johnny Russell tucked home in the 56th minute to give Sporting KC a 1-0 advantage before Graham Zusi’s exquisite free kick on 72 minutes made the score 2-1. Sixteen-year-old Tyler Freeman rounded out the scoring early in the second scrimmage to ensure that Sporting stayed perfect during its 2019 preseason, presented by Children’s Mercy.
Free kick goal Graham Zusi pic.twitter.com/pZTj40mmhC
— Carter Augustine (@CarterAugust1ne) February 8, 2019
Krisztian Nemeth nearly opened the scoring twice within the first half-hour, dragging a low effort inches wide of the post before seeing a looping header saved by outstretched Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin.