Sporting Kansas City haunted by missed chances in Austin FC draw

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:06 am

Goalkeeper Brad Stuver made a bevy of saves from close range to help Austin FC pull out a 1-1 road tie against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday afternoon.

Stuver was forced into making nine saves as Sporting KC had 32 shots, two off their club record. Sporting controlled possession 59.5 percent to 40.5 percent, including nearly 70 percent in the second half. Austin FC had nine shots, two of which were on target.

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Sporting KC missed its first 21 shots, including six that were on target. But Johnny Russell found Daniel Salloi in the left side of the box for a goal in the 71st minute to level the match.

Salloi's goal meant Sporting has scored a goal in the 20 consecutive home games dating back to Aug. 10, 2019, tying a club record set over two seasons from 2011-12.

Austin (2-4-2, 8 points) nearly regained the lead in the 80th minute, but Rodney Redes' shot was wide right from point-blank range.

Sporting KC (5-2-2, 17 points) fell just short of taking over the top spot from the Seattle Sounders in the race for the Supporters' Shield. They stand in second place in the overall standings, tied with the New England, while sitting a point behind Seattle.

Sporting KC entered with victories in four of their last five games, including three straight. They have earned four come-from-behind victories, three more than any other MLS club, but couldn't pull off a fifth.

Austin got on the board in the 26th minute on a goal by Cecilio Domínguez. Zan Kolmanic found Dominguez at the center of the box and Dominguez right-footed his shot to the bottom left corner past diving goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Sporting KC controlled the pace to that point, and had more and better scoring opportunities, but failed to convert. Even after Austin took the lead, Sporting KC had 10 shots to three for Austin FC, but to no avail.

Austin FC almost got a game-winning goal late in stoppage time, but John Gallagher's shot was wide left.