Maybe the long road trip was worth it after all. CJ Sapong scored the first -- and so far only -- MLS goal in Livestrong Sporting Park history and Sporting Kansas City beat the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on Friday. The victory is the second straight for Sporting and runs their unbeaten streak to five matches. Prior to last week's victory, SKC had gone 10 straight without a win.
Sporting Kansas City Vs. San Jose Earthquakes: CJ Sapong Leads SKC To Win
Beating the Earthquakes was no small feat, either. San Jose entered the match on a six-match unbeaten run in which they had won four times. On Friday, they looked plenty dangerous, but were never able to notch a goal.
Sapong, on the other hand, continued to show why he might end up being the best player taken in the 2011 SuperDraft. The rookie was able to deftly redirect a free kick from Graham Zusi to beat San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch. Although it was Sapong's first goal since First Kick, the goal showcased an impressive scoring touch and rare athletic ability.
More impressive than the offense, though, was Sporting’s suddenly stout defense. After allowing 18 goals in their first eight matches, they have now allowed just two in their past five. Jimmy Nielson made five saves to notch his second shutout in his past three matches.
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