Sporting KC Reaches Knockout Stage at MLS Is Back

SKC scored very early and late to down Real Salt Lake and secure a place in the last 16.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Johnny Russell scored in the first minute, Gerso Fernandes added an insurance goal in the closing minutes and Sporting Kansas City secured its spot in the knockout round of the MLS is Back tournament with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Kansas City (4-1-0) finished with six points after two wins in the group stage to secure a spot in the round of 16. Kansas City will finish either first or second in Group D depending on the outcome of Minnesota United’s match against Colorado late Wednesday.

Russell’s goal was the fifth in Kansas City history scored in the opening minute of the match and the first since 2013. He found himself on the end of a scramble in the penalty area and his right-footed shot beat Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath. It was the first goal allowed by Salt Lake in the tournament.

There's your caffeine hit.

51 seconds in. Thanks, Johnny! #RSLvSKC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/syoceNiFXm

— Sporting Kansas City 🎗️ (@SportingKC) July 22, 2020

Even after the early goal, Kansas City struggled to create many chances until Fernandes found space inside the penalty area in the 86th minute. Alan Pulido, who assisted on both goals, found Fernandes out wide, and his quick cut inside and left-footed shot curled past MacMath and inside the far post.

What. A. Finish!

@ge7fe doubles the lead for @SportingKC. #RSLvSKC pic.twitter.com/5PPs9WLnUR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2020

It was the first goal of the season for both Russell and Fernandes, and just the third win for Kansas City in the past 15 matches against Salt Lake.

Real Salt Lake (1-1-3) managed just one shot on target but will still advance to the knockout stage of the tournament as one of the top four third-place finishers. Salt Lake opened the tournament with a win over Colorado and a draw against Minnesota.