KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In Match 2, St. Louis CITY SC fell to Sporting Kansas City 2-1.
It was a do-or-die match as CITY SC headed to Kansas City, Kansas, in the Best-of-3 series. Sporting KC hosted the second match at its home field, Children's Mercy Park.
In Match 1, St. Louis fell to Kansas City 4-1 on Sunday, Oct. 29, at CITYPARK.
First Half
St. Louis could not convert on three corner kicks with Kansas City's defense getting it out of the zone. The team also trailed in shots 7-3 and did not record a single shot on goal in the first half.
CITY SC committed 11 fouls and was handed two yellow cards, one to each Eduard Lowen and Tim Parker.
Sporting KC got the scoring started in extra time during the first half with a goal by Logan Ndenbe in the 45+1st minute.
Second Half
St. Louis came back for the second half with several chances, but could not find the back of the net.
A close call came by João Klauss with a header from the center of the box but was saved by Sporting KC's Tim Melia in the 58th minute.
After missed opportunities by St. Louis, Sporting KC broke out and took a 2-0 lead in the 73rd minute by Dániel Sallói.
St. Louis came back late in the second half to score their first goal of the game in the 86th minute to make it 2-1. Célio Pompeu scored from a shot to the top left corner and was assisted by Njabulo Blom.
Due to delays in the match, 12 minutes of extra time were added but CITY SC could not convert on the final plays of the game.
Sporting KC will head to Round 2 of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
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