As expected, the Eastern Conference has a new leader. Sporting Kansas City hosted the Columbus Crew at Livestrong Sporting Park on Wednesday night with the winner set to move to the top of Eastern Conference table and it was the Crew who scored the game-winner. Unfortunately, it was into their own net so it is Sporting who now sits atop the East thanks to a 2-1 win over the Crew.
Sporting Kansas City Vs. Columbus Crew, 2011 MLS: Sporting Moves Top Of The East
Sporting were first on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty. Chad Marshall took down CJ Sapong for a clear penalty and Kei Kamara slotted it home to put Kansas City in front. The Crew answered though through Emilio Renteria, who was given loads of time from 20 yards by a lazy Sporting defense. Renteria stepped into his shot and was able to lace it past Jimmy Nielsen for the equalizer.
The 1-1 scoreline held until the 74th minute when Matt Besler took a throw from deep inside the Columbus half. His trademarked long throw made it in front of goal where Julius James rose to meet it and perfectly lofted it over Will Hesmer and into the goal. The problem is that it was his own goal and Sporting had themselves a winner.
Kansas City is now top of the East on 44 points, two clear of second place Houston. Columbus is three points back on 31 points and all three have three matches remaining.
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