André Luiz penalty gives Sporting Kansas City 1-0 win at San Diego

André Luiz penalty decides 1-0 win

Sporting Kansas City beat San Diego 1-0 at Snapdragon Stadium, with André Luiz’s 76th-minute penalty providing the only goal. The result went against San Diego’s control of possession: the hosts had 67% of the ball and completed 610 accurate passes, compared with Sporting’s 33% and 281 accurate passes.

Penalty breaks deadlock

The match remained goalless until the 76th minute, when André Luiz scored from the penalty spot to make it 0-1. The Sporting forward finished with three shots on target and one key pass, while goalkeeper S. Cleveland made four saves to protect the lead.

San Diego created pressure through volume, registering 16 total shots and eight corners. However, Sporting produced the stronger expected-goals figure, 1.98 to San Diego’s 0.85, and put six shots on goal against four. P. Sisniega was San Diego’s standout performer, earning a 7.7 rating after making five saves.

Western Conference positions

The defeat leaves San Diego ranked #13 in the Western Conference with 38 points from 34 games, while Sporting Kansas City move to #15 with 26 points from 34 games. San Diego are 12 points ahead of Sporting Kansas City, although both remain well behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps, who have 64 points.

San Diego collected three yellow cards, including bookings for Marcus Ingvartsen, Manu Duah and Christopher McVey. Sporting received two, with Lasse Berg Johnsen and Justin Reynolds cautioned.