Sporting Kansas City Vs. Portland Timbers: Graham Zusi Brace Leads KC To 3-1 Win

It was Graham Zusi once and then twice. By halftime he had given Sporting Kansas City a 2-0 lead with a brace and by fulltime the hosts were still ahead by a pair as they picked up a key 3-1 win over the Portland Timbers. With three points, Kansas City now moves into third place in the Eastern Conference, which is the final automatic playoff spot, and is only a point behind second place Philadelphia.

The first goal of the match by Zusi was a gem from 30 yards. A headed clearance only made it as far as Zusi and the midfielder made no mistake with his strike. He ripped a shot that found the upper corner and left Troy Perkins diving, but to no avail as the shot sailed in for a beautiful opening goal.

In the 40th minute, Zusi was able to double the Sporting lead. A corner kick made it all the way to the back post, where Teal Bunbury was unmarked. He settled and fired, but Perkins made a good save. The rebound was left free though and Zusi pounced, putting the home side up two.

Kansas City's third goal was most certainly lucky, although it will be a memorable one for Soony Saad as the rookie got his first career goal. The forward gave the ball away with a heavy touch, but the clearance from Portland bounced off of Saad, went over Perkins' head and in. Unintentional and ugly, sure, but Kansas City was happy to be ahead 3-0. Not even a late goal by Bright Dike, his first MLS goal, could dampen Sporting's spirits as they grabbed three gigantic points.