Sporting Kansas City (6-11-8, 26 pts.) suffered a 2-1 defeat against Austin FC (9-9-5, 32 pts.) at Q2 Stadium in Texas on Saturday night. Dany Rosero scored for Kansas City in the first half, but goals from Gyasi Zardes and Ethan Finlay secured the win for Austin.
Sporting manager Peter Vermes made three changes to the lineup, including rookie Stephen Afrifa earning his first MLS start. Afrifa came close to scoring in the third minute but missed the target.
Austin had a chance to take the lead in the 10th minute, but Kipp Keller’s header went over the bar. They eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Zardes scored from a rebound. Just two minutes later, Finlay doubled Austin’s lead with a first-time strike.
Sporting had an opportunity to pull one back in the 26th minute, but Erik Thommy’s shot was saved by the Austin goalkeeper. However, Rosero managed to score a header from a corner kick in the 33rd minute, bringing the score to 2-1 at halftime.
Sporting made substitutions at halftime, bringing on Alan Pulido and Johnny Russell, but it was Austin who came close to scoring next. Jon Gallagher’s powerful shot was saved by Sporting goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh.
In the 66th minute, midfielder Felipe Gutierrez made his first appearance for Sporting since 2019. Austin’s Rodney Redes had a chance to extend the lead in the 71st minute but missed the target.
Sporting tried to mount a comeback, but neither Gutierrez nor Gadi Kinda could trouble the Austin goalkeeper. The loss dropped Sporting’s record to 6-11-8 heading into the Leagues Cup break.
Sporting will now prepare for the Leagues Cup 2023, starting with a match against FC Cincinnati on July 23. This will be Sporting’s first visit to TQL Stadium, and the game will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Inter Miami’s winless streak extended to 11 games as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to St. Louis City on Saturday night in Gerardo Martino’s debut as coach. This disappointing result came just hours after Inter Miami announced their contract with Lionel Messi, who was set to be introduced to the fans on Sunday night at their stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The team’s struggles began under former coach Phil Neville, who was fired on June 1 after 2.5 seasons. Martino, who previously coached Messi at Barcelona and Argentina’s national team, was brought in as the new coach on June 28.
In the match against St. Louis City, Samuel Adeniran and Tim Parker scored first-half goals to give St. Louis a comfortable lead. Eduard Löwen added another goal in the second half to seal the victory for St. Louis.
Inter Miami’s last victory dates back to May 13, and they have since lost seven consecutive games. They have also failed to score in their last four away matches against expansion teams. On the other hand, St. Louis City has been performing well at home, with eight wins, three losses, and one draw in their first season.
When the league resumes action on August 20, Inter Miami will host Charlotte, while St. Louis City will face Austin at home.
