Lunch Time Mini-Blog Sporting KC Conference Finals

     Sunday night we saw something that we don’t often see in the world of Sporting KC, especially in the last five years in the playoffs….a good bit of fortune. Sporting drew 0-0 with the Portland Timbers, a result that puts Sporting in a pretty good spot for the second leg of the Western Conference MLS finals. A “win and you’re in scenario” with the only other result that creates any doubt is another nil-nil, which after extra time would result in a penalty shootout. Any other draw would give the conference title to Portland because a road goal(s) would be on their ledger.

     Portland clearly carried the play in the first leg, forcing Tim Melia to make six saves, a couple very difficult. They also had a goal waved off for offside (it was the proper call), and hit the post as well. But also, as we have seen from Sporting in the past, but not quite as much this year, Portland created tasty opportunities, only to not deliver well into the box, provide a quality last touch, or a smart finish. Extra credit to captain Matt Besler, who was tremendously active in quelling promising chances.

     Sporting was able to hold off what seemed to be an inevitable Timbers goal and get the result. Something we also seemed to see that was rare for Sporting was some bunkering toward the finish. Attack minded as usual for the first two thirds of the game, they finally seemed to realize they were under siege and needed to work hard for the draw.

     Normally a counterattacking team, Portland actually had the ball more than Sporting, the league’s second-best possession team. Sporting only managed one shot, and were forced into 26 clearances. Still, in the end they had the result they needed as they come back for tonight’s second league with the great home advantage provided by Children’s Mercy Park.

     Nothing is certain, but you certainly have to feel good about Sporting’s chances. But the lack of a road goal, means that a team like Portland, which is comfortable absorbing pressure, can really turn the screws with the first goal.

     It should be a fantastic atmosphere with a slot in MLS cup on the line, an absolute blast for the loyal fans, who should be out of control. It will be fun.