The first half at Livestrong Sporting Park was the Graham Zusi show as the Sporting Kansas City midfielder scored twice to put the home side up on the Portland Timbers in a huge match for Sporting as they battle for a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. A win over the Timbers would move them either into third place in the Eastern Conference, the final automatic playoff spot, or a wild card spot, depending on how the Dynamo fare against New England tonight. A loss and they will remain outside of the playoff field, trailing Chivas USA on goal difference coming into the match for the final wild card spot.
Sporting Kansas City Vs. Portland Timbers: Graham Zusi Puts KC Up 2-0 At Half
Zusi opened up the scoring with a brilliant 30-yard strike. A clearance by Portland didn't make it all the way out and Zusi was there to pick it up. He lined up his shot, which was a rocket that left Portland keeper Troy Perkins helpless as the stadium erupted in celebration of Zusi's great goal.
In the 40th minute Perkins did well to stop a shot from six yards by Teal Bunbury, but the rebound was left right in front of the goal. That's where Zusi was waiting to knock it home. Zusi had himself a first half brace and Kansas City had themselves a 2-0 halftime lead as they eye a spot in the playoffs.
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