June 29, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Sporting Kansas City midfielder Erik Thommy (26) and Austin FC defender Leo Vaisanen (15) battle for the ball during the first half at Children’s Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: David Rainey-USA TODAY Sports Tim Leibold scored a first-half goal and Stephen Afrifa scored a second-half goal as Sporting Kansas City ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over Austin FC on Saturday night.
Sporting KC (4-12-5, 17 points) snapped a club-record 17-game streak without a clean sheet. The win was just the third in 11 home games. SKC must put together a streak to get back into the playoff picture, as they entered the game 1-10-0 in their previous 11 games.
Sporting dominated the stat sheet, outscoring Austin 15-2 with the only two shots on goal.
Austin (7-8-6, 27 points) had won five of its last six meetings, but its offensive problems continued. Their five goals on the road are the fewest in MLS. Verde and Black remain above the red line, but their position is weaker.
Sporting took a 2-0 lead in the 69th minute with Afrifa’s goal. Memo Rodriguez intercepted a pass in his own zone. After a little scramble, Rodriguez found Johnny Russell, who ran down the right side without scoring.
Russell put it in the box, looking like it was going to explode against Austin goalie Brad Stuver. Instead, he passed it to a loaded Afrifa, who had an easy entry.
Sporting then played keep away for the rest of the match.
Sporting took a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. Kayden Pierre, making just his fourth start of the season, advanced near the baseline on the right side before flipping it to Leibold outside the box on the left side. Leibold took it forward a few yards before sending it towards goal with his left foot. It came off the back of Jon Gallagher and from the right straight into the net.
Sporting had the best chances in the first half, but could not get more than a 1-0 half-time lead.
— Field level media
