Sporting KC opens 2025 MLS campaign with loss to Austin FC. Here’s what we learned
Sporting KC kicked off its 2025 MLS regular-season campaign on Saturday night in Austin, Texas.
After a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday night at the hands of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Sporting fell by the same scoreline once again.
Osman Bukari’s 76th-minute header — which more accurately bounced off his face — from a corner kick was all Austin FC needed. Sporting was left to rue a pair of missed chances in the first half as the game ended 1-0.
“Unfortunately, we give away a set piece,” manager Peter Vermes said after the match. “... We probably could have done something else in that situation.”
Vermes has warned his players before to be conscious of how many set pieces they’re surrendering, especially in situations where it can be avoided.
“Unfortunately, we did on that situation,” Vermes said. “And, you know, we lose the game based on a set piece.”
Sporting defender Joaquin Fernandez noted how often the team works on set pieces during the week.
“We work in the week too much on corners, the fouls and free kicks,” Fernandez said. “We cannot permit that goal.”
Sporting’s best chance of the night came when William Agada chipped the ball over the top for Daniel Salloi, whose first shot was saved by the foot of Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver. The ball ricocheted out to the penalty spot into the path of Agada, who had a wide open goal but blazed the shot over the crossbar.
Manu Garcia and Dejan Joveljic played the entirety of the second half for Sporting. Each produced some promising moments, but nothing truly sensational, a sign of the time that will be needed for the two to grow as Sporting’s new designated-player pairing.
Saturday marked the first time the two have shared the field together in a match. Vermes said he has been cautious with the duo’s minutes so far, as they are not quite fit to play a full 90 minutes.
“You can see at times, there’s really good things there, but we need time,” Vermes said. “We just started the season, and now we’ve got to find that time (for Garcia and Joveljic together) as we go into each game.”
Shapi Suleymanov also made his club debut, subbing on for Erik Thommy in the 84th minute.
What’s next for Sporting Kansas City?
Sporting’s focus switches to the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie with Inter Miami. To advance, Sporting must overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
A 1-0 Sporting win would send it straight to a penalty kick shootout. Any Sporting win — if multiple goals are scored — would send Sporting straight through to the next round because of the “away goals” tiebreaker.
Sporting will be eliminated with a draw or loss.
That match on Tuesday, Feb. 25, kicks off at 7 p.m. Central. Sporting will have its MLS home opener against the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.
This story was originally published February 22, 2025 at 10:10 PM.