Sporting Kansas City, behind a pair of goals from forward Johnny Russell, defeated Houston on Wednesday night at Children’s Mercy Park by a score of 2-1 in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Houston opened the scoring in the first half, putting Kansas City in a trailing position going into the break. Russell tied the game in the 52nd minute with a left-footed strike inside the left post.
In the 72nd minute, Russell took a penalty kick after a foul against Daniel Salloi in the box, with the second goal of the night for Russell providing the game-winner.
The victory sends Sporting Kansas City into the third round of the U.S. Open Cup against Union Omaha of USL League One.