KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Dairon Asprilla converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute to give Portland a contentious 2-2 draw with Sporting Kansas City on Sunday night, keeping the Timbers in line for a playoff spot.
Asprilla was given the opportunity for his first goal after Ilie Sanchez fouled Jeremy Ebobisse in the penalty area. Sanchez drew a red card for his efforts, the third issued in the game, including a record-breaking red for KC teammate Roger Espinoza.
The point moved Portland (13-13-7) one point up on Dallas and two on San Jose, which is a point out of playoff position, with one game to play. San Jose plays at Portland next Sunday.
Portland took the lead in the 29th minute when Sebastian Blanco pounced on a loose ball and put it over two defenders off the cross bar for his fifth goal. But it only took a minute for Kansas City to get the equalizer. Johnny Russell put a cross into the box and Kristian Nemeth got a head on it to send it into the bottom corner for his eighth goal.
For Espinosa it was his MLS record 11th red of his career, breaking a tie with Jamison Olaves. He also joined 12 other players for most reds in a season with three. Meanwhile, Fernandez will miss Portland’s crucial finale.
In the 46th minute, KC’s Gianluca Busio sent a shot off the post but the deflection came out to Daniel Salloi who buried the rebound for his first goal of the season.
