Quick Critique: Sporting KC vs. Colorado

Sporting Kansas City continues to accumulate points in the league, stretching its unbeaten streak to 11 games overall after a 1-1 draw against Colorado Wednesday.

The tie came after an inspired 2-1 victory on the road against the Portland Timbers during the holiday weekend. I was in Arkansas or I would have commented on that performance sooner.

Wednesday Sporting played well defensively and Aurelien Collin was once again a beast in the middle. He made some timely, clean tackles when challenged one v. one late in the game. He also avoided collecting a yellow card, which he’s been apt to do lately. Colorado’s first half goal was a great strike from a good position by Conor Casey. The partially screened shot gave keeper Jimmy Nielsen little time to react.

In the midfield the team was a little lacking in control. Many defensive clearances went straight to Colorado defenders and a few times even Colorado midfielders. The lack of play and possession through the middle for Sporting will need to improve in the next few weeks if the team wants to stay in contention come playoff time.

Sporting’s strikers played well, recording 14 shots for the game, though only four were on target.

No stranger to playing from behind, Sporting went to work. The game-changer in this contest though came in the form of a substitute.

Manager Peter Vermes made a change in the second half to bring in form C.J. Sapong on in place of Teal Bunbury. Many could argue that Sapong should have started the game. Either way, the youngster’s fresh legs gave him the edge up top and he was able to hold off a defender long enough to shoot. The rebound rolled to Graham Zusi, who finished the chance easily to regain control of the game and cement at least one point in front of the home crowd.

In all reality, Sporting was unfortunate not to come away with all three points after three shots rattled off either a post or crossbar.

The team will have a few days to rest and prepare for Chivas USA at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park Saturday.