Sporting Kansas City’s season concluded with a 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo FC in the Western Conference Semifinals of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday at Shell Energy Stadium. Franco Escobar scored for the hosts six minutes before halftime, and despite Sporting’s efforts to level the score, Houston maintained its one-goal lead until the final whistle.
Manager Peter Vermes fielded a strong lineup with just one change from Sporting’s previous match on Nov. 5, as Tim Leibold stepped in for the injured Logan Ndenbe. Sporting captain Johnny Russell had the first chance, but his shot was saved by Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark.
Dynamo winger Nelson Quinones posed a threat for Sporting’s defense, with three attempts in a short span. Sporting responded with opportunities from Gadi Kinda and Daniel Salloi near the 25th minute.
Houston took the lead in the 39th minute from a Hector Herrera corner kick, with Escobar heading the ball into the left corner. Sporting sought an immediate response, but a potential handball by Dynamo defender Erik Sviatchenko went unnoticed after VAR review.
Sporting continued to press in the second half, with Alan Pulido and Daniel Salloi having notable attempts. Despite late efforts, including a chance for substitute Willy Agada in the 94th minute, Sporting couldn’t find the equalizer. Goalkeeper Tim Melia made a crucial save in the closing seconds to deny Houston’s Ibrahim Aliyu.
The loss marked the end of Sporting Kansas City’s Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs journey.
