First-place Sporting Kansas City stumbled to a frustrating 1-0 defeat to the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Colorado defender Kortne Ford headed home the decisive goal in the 11th minute, giving the hosts all three points despite Sporting Kansas City’s marked domination in possession and shot attempts.
In a match that saw the last-place Rapids (3-8-1, 10 points) knock off the Western Conference leaders, Sporting Kansas City enjoyed 73 percent possession and held a 25-6 edge in shots, including an MLS-record 20 attempts from outside the box during the Opta era (2010-present). Colorado’s set piece deliveries proved decisive, however, as Ford’s early goal was one of three free-kick situations throughout the night that tested Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia.